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Anthracnose, Twig BlightIf you find moist, sunken spots on the leaves of your shrubs, on which fruiting bodies are growing, anthracnose (Colletotrichum spp. or Gloeosporium spp.) has struck. These leaf spots may run together, resembling a blotch or blight.. The dead ares follow the veins or are bounded by larger veins. This disease may progress down to terminal shoots to several inches below the buds. Pustules containing pinkish spores appear on the lesions. In severe cases, dieback and defoliation may occur.
In provet, anthracnose and twig blight are caused by the fungus Glomerella cingulata. The fungus causes leaf spot and eventually the entire leaf dries and hangs from the stem. Twigs are killed, and cankers spotted with pinkish pustules from at the base of the stems. Resistant varieties include amur, California, ibota, and regal privet.
Gather and destroy diseased leaves when they fall and prune infected branches. Spray with a copper fungicide such as a Bordeax mixture. Two or three applications at weekly intervals should take care of the problem. Maintain the vigor of your shrubs by feeding and watering well, especially during droughts.
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