How to Cure Azaleas of Leaf Gall
Identify your shrub as an azalea., Rule out other diseases., Remove infected leaves., Destroy the infected pieces away from the plant., Lay new mulch beneath the azaleas.
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Identify your shrub as an azalea.
While only the Exobasidium vaccinii fungus causes the distinctive fleshy distortion and discoloration, followed by hardening into brown galls, azaleas can become sick with other conditions that affect the leaves. , Pick them off by hand, or use scissors.
Optimally, you should get all the infected parts before they turn white; white indicates spores, which means that the fungus is redistributing itself (possibly infecting healthy plants) for next season. , Because each part you removed has the fungus on it, leaving it near the plant will just allow it to spread again.
If you have space to do it safely, burn the infected bits. , This will bury any existing spores, which can reinfect the plant. -
Step 2: Rule out other diseases.
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Step 3: Remove infected leaves.
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Step 4: Destroy the infected pieces away from the plant.
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Step 5: Lay new mulch beneath the azaleas.
Detailed Guide
While only the Exobasidium vaccinii fungus causes the distinctive fleshy distortion and discoloration, followed by hardening into brown galls, azaleas can become sick with other conditions that affect the leaves. , Pick them off by hand, or use scissors.
Optimally, you should get all the infected parts before they turn white; white indicates spores, which means that the fungus is redistributing itself (possibly infecting healthy plants) for next season. , Because each part you removed has the fungus on it, leaving it near the plant will just allow it to spread again.
If you have space to do it safely, burn the infected bits. , This will bury any existing spores, which can reinfect the plant.
About the Author
Rebecca Bell
Specializes in breaking down complex crafts topics into simple steps.
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