University of Illinois Extension

University of Illinois Extension

Hort Answers

Fungal Disease

Botryosphaeria Dieback/Canker
Botryosphaeria dothidea

Cankered dogwood stem
Cankered dogwood stem
 
Frequency
3 (1 = rare 5 = annual)
 
Severity
3.5 (1 = very little damage 5 = plants killed)
 
Hosts
Species of Botryosphaeria attack and infect stressed plants. Cankers can be annual as well as perennial. This pathogen attacks mostly woody trees and shrubs around the world (more than 100 genera of plants can be affected by this disease).

 
Plants Affected
 
Symptoms
Botryosphaeria spp. in general cause cankers that girdle infected branches and stems. The girdling causes foliage to wilt turn brown and die. All plant tissue, from the girdling canker out to the tip, eventually dies.

 
Life Cycle
Varies with the species of Botryosphaeria and the host plant.

 
Management
The pathogen cannot usually attack healthy plants. Control by pruning out the dead and dying tissue, fertilize correctly, and improve growing conditions.

 
Related Resources
Home, Yard & Garden Pest Guide
Illinois Commercial Landscape and Turfgrass Pest Management Handbook
U of IL - Distance Diagnosis through Digital Imaging
U of IL - Plant Clinic