I had what I believe to be a fungus just about wipe out a large section of azaleas in my yard. Those have been removed.

Earlier this week I noticed some discoloration on some otherwise healthy azaleas (see picture).

Does this look to be a fungus like the one described here LSU Ag Link ?

Is this something i need to be concerned about and treat? The other parts of this group of azaleas are really healthy looking, just this one area has this brown discoloration on it.

3 ...

Report Post

Posted by tigerrage08

Houma,LA

Member since Feb 2008

263 posts

Posted on 5/14/24 at 11:52 am to MikeBRLA

following

0 ...

Report Post

Posted by LegendInMyMind

Member since Apr 2019

55007 posts

Posted on 5/14/24 at 11:54 am to MikeBRLA

I found this that may help identify the problem, also regarding dieback.

quote:
Dieback is an important disease of hybrid rhododendrons in the landscape and is caused by the fungus Botryosphaeria dothidea. Azaleas with similar symptoms are more likely to be infected by the fungus Phomopsis species. Typically, dying branches (stem dieback) begin to appear on an otherwise healthy plant. The leaves die and can remain attached to the plant until late summer.

Usually a single branch on an established plant is affected. Scraping away the bark with a knife reveals a reddish-brown discoloration under the bark on dying branches of rhododendron. On azaleas the discolored wood under the bark appears chocolate brown.

If you do check it by scraping the bark be sure to have some alchohol on hand to disinfect the knife or tool you use before making another cut on another branch or plant. You will spread the fungus/disease if you don't. It is a good idea to do the same when pruning. I just keep a spray bottle with alcohol in it and spray my pruners as I go from one plant to the next.

0 ...

Report Post

Posted by boudinman

Member since Nov 2019

5136 posts

Posted on 5/14/24 at 10:56 pm to MikeBRLA

Spray them with a copper funcicide.

Page 1