Bowers, Heather

Fulcher, Amy

English

University of Tennessee, Knoxville: Trace

University of Tennessee, Knoxville TRACE: Tennessee Research and Creative Exchange Insects, Pests, Plant Diseases and Weeds UT Extension Publications 5-14-2013 W289-H IMP QuickFacts Series: Southern Blight Amy Fulcher Heather Bowers Follow this and additional works at: https://trace.tennessee.edu/utk_agexdise  Part of the Agricultural Education Commons Recommended Citation "W289-H IMP QuickFacts Series: Southern Blight," Amy Fulcher and Heather Bowers, W 289-H , https://trace.tennessee.edu/utk_agexdise/70 The publications in this collection represent the historical publishing record of the UT Agricultural Experiment Station and do not necessarily reflect current scientific knowledge or recommendations. Current information about UT Ag Research can be found at the UT Ag Research website. This Ornamental insects, Pests & Diseases is brought to you for free and open access by the UT Extension Publications at TRACE: Tennessee Research and Creative Exchange. It has been accepted for inclusion in Insects, Pests, Plant Diseases and Weeds by an authorized administrator of TRACE: Tennessee Research and Creative Exchange. For more information, please contact trace@utk.edu.             W289-H                         Southern Blight  Sclerotium rolfsii   Sclerotium rolfsii overwinters in the soil and in plant debris as spherical structures called sclerotia. This fungus can be spread in runoff water, eroding soil particles and on items such as tools, shoes and plant containers. Generally, the fungus doesn’t survive at depths greater than 2 to 3 inches; however, it can survive for years in the soil. It prefers a hot, wet environment with acidic soil conditions.  This disease appears during the hot months of June, July and August. Look for scattered dead plants. One way to identify Sclerotium rolfsii is when both sclerotia and the white strand-like mycelium are visible on plants near the soil line. Sclerotia are spherical, tan to red, and resemble mustard seeds. Southern blight is caused by the fungus Sclerotium rolfsii. It is also known as southern stem rot. Monitoring Pathogen and Disease Cycle Introduction   Ajuga  Aucuba   Azalea   Black walnut   Crabapple/Apple   Forsythia   Hosta  Hydrangea  Rose  Viburnum  Many hosts  Host Plants IPM Quick Facts                                                Photo credits: Amy Fulcher and Alan Windham, University of Tennessee  Bachi, P. and K. Seebold. 2008. Southern blight. University of Kentucky Extension publication PPFS-VG-03. http://www.ca.uky.edu/agcollege/plantpathology/ext_files/PPFShtml/PPFS-VG-3.pdf Halcomb, M. and A. Windham. 2011. Southern blight. University of Tennessee handout. http://www.utextension.utk.edu/mtnpi/handouts/Insect%20&%20Disease%20Control/Southern_Blight.pdf  Windham, A. 2007. Southern blight, the scourge of perennials and more. Ornamental Pest and Disease Update 1(2). UT Extension. http://soilplantandpest.utk.edu/pdffiles/OPandDUpdates/OPandDJuly-23-2007.pdf  Prepared by Heather Bowers, Intern, Department of Plant Sciences and Dr. Amy Fulcher, Assistant Professor, Department of Plant Sciences Publication funded by USDA Extension IPM Grant in partnership with University of Kentucky Integrated Pest Management Program. The authors thank M. Halcomb, B. Horvath, W. Russell and A. Windham for their careful review.  Resources  Programs in agriculture and natural resources, 4-H youth development, family and consumer sciences, and resource development. University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture, U.S. Department of Agriculture and county governments cooperating.  UT Extension provides equal opportunities in programs and employment.   Common symptoms are yellowing leaves, sudden wilting, stems turning brown and dying near the soil line, and plant death. White mycelium may appear on the soil surface, on the lower stem/trunk, including just underground and on plant debris. Clusters of sclerotia may also appear on the host plant and plant debris close to the soil line. Infected trees can usually survive for a month, but plant death often occurs more rapidly shortly after symptoms are noticed. Most herbaceous plants wilt and die in a few days or less. Symptoms  CULTURAL CONTROL Prevent spread by cleaning boots, shovels, etc., after contact with contaminated soil. Do not replant with susceptible species. Increase air circulation with proper plant spacing and weed control. Remove infected plants and soil surrounding the plant. Be sure that cover crops are fully decomposed before replanting. Deep plowing will reduce the number of sclerotia on the surface where they can infect plants. Soil test and adjust pH per recommendations.   CHEMICAL CONTROL Consult http://eppserver.ag.utk.edu/redbook/sections/trees_flowers.htm for the most up-to-date recommendations.  Integrated Pest Management 

W289-H IMP QuickFacts Series: Southern Blight

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W289-H IMP QuickFacts Series: Southern Blight

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University of Tennessee, Knoxville: Trace