3 (1 = rare 5 = annual)

2 (1 = very little damage 5 = plants killed)

This disease affects Populus spp (poplar and aspen) and is more of a forestry disease than a landscape problem. However, with poplars growing in landscapes during prolonged wet weather, it can be a problem. Marssonia betulae causes anthracnose on birch trees and Marssonia thomasiana causes anthracnose on bittersweet.

Tree

• Eastern Cottonwood (Populus deltoides)
• European White Birch (Betula pendula)
• Paper Birch (Betula papyrifera)
• White Poplar, Silver Poplar (Populus alba)

The spots/blotches on the foliage are brown. Badly infected leaves can turn all brown by midsummer (July) and be defoliated by August. Severe defoliation may cause the tree to leaf out again. The tree uses up part of its food reserves and becomes more prone to other diseases. In addition, late emerging new growth may not hardened off sufficiently and therefore may be prone to winter die-back. Badly defoliated trees tend to produce less new wood during the next one to two years.

The fungus overwinters in the dead leaves or infected twigs. Spores are released in spring and cause infection as leaves emerge. Leaves on lower branches tend to be infected first and infection spreads upwards through the growing season.

There is no practical control for this disease in a forest setting. In the home landscape, follow good sanitation practices.

Home, Yard & Garden Pest Guide
The Home, Yard & Garden Pest Guide (C1391) provides is written for homeowners and other residents and provides nonchemical and current chemical recommendations for controlling pests associated with trees, shrubs, turf, flowers, groundcovers, vegetables, fruit, and houses. In addition, you'll find detailed information about integrated pest management, pesticide safety, and pesticide application and calibration techniques. This publication may be purchased at your local University of Illinois Extension Unit office, or by calling 800-345-6087, or by placing an order online (search for "C1391").
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Illinois Commercial Landscape and Turfgrass Pest Management Handbook
The Illinois Commercial Landscape and Turfgrass Pest Management Handbook (ICLT) is written for professional applicators and provides nonchemical and current chemical recommendations as well as application timing information for all major pests of turf, woody ornamentals and herbaceous ornamentals. This publication may be purchased at your local University of Illinois Extension Unit office, or by calling 800-345-6087, or by placing an order online (search for "ICLT").
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U of IL - Distance Diagnosis through Digital Imaging
A free plant, weed, insect and disease identification service available through your local University of Illinois Extension office. Center Educators or State Specialists review & respond to information and digital images submitted by local Extension office personnel. Some samples may require further examination or culture work (nominal fee involved) at the U of IL Plant Clinic.
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U of IL - Plant Clinic
Services include plant and insect identification, diagnosis of disease, insect, weed and chemical injury (chemical injury on field crops only), nematode assays, and help with nutrient related problems, as well as recommendations involving these diagnoses. Microscopic examinations, laboratory culturing, virus assays, and nematode assays are some of the techniques used in the clinic.
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