Key Features
- Small, shot holes in leaves
- Defoliation
- Increased severity during wet springs
Symptoms
Holes in leaves resemble the injuries caused by an insect, but is commonly caused by a bacterium (and sometimes, a fungus). The infected leaf tissue falls out leaving a hole. In severe cases during wet springs, this disease can result in defoliation.
Biology
Small holes may give way to a tattered appearance. Sometimes, leaves drop.
Management Recommendations
Avoid overhead irrigation. Remove and destroy fallen leaves. The cultivar Chestnut Hill is reported to be more resistant to shothole compared to Otto Luyken.
Effective Pesticides
Pesticides are neither available nor recommended for managing this disease.
Resources
- Not satisfied with ID? Contact the Purdue Plant and Pest Diagnostic Lab
- Sign Up for the Purdue Landscape Report
