As the name suggests, hydrangea ringspot virus (HRSV) causes
round or ring-shaped spots to appear on the leaves of infected plants. However,
identifying the causative agent of leaf spotting in hydrangeas is difficult, as
many types of diseases show similarities to hydrangea ringspot symptoms.
Identifying Ringspot Virus on Hydrangea
Symptoms of hydrangea ringspot disease include pale yellow
or yellowish white spotting on the leaves. Leaf distortions, such as rolling or
crinkling, may be apparent in some varieties of hydrangea. Ringspot symptoms
may also present as fewer florets on the flower head and stunting of normal
plant growth. Testing of infected plant material is the only way to
conclusively identify hydrangea ringspot virus.
In all, fourteen viruses have been found to infect
hydrangeas, several of which have symptoms similar to hydrangea ringspot disease.
These include:
- Hydrangea chlorotic mottle virus
In addition, these bacterial and fungal infections can mimic
the symptoms of ringspot virus on hydrangea:
- Cercospora Leaf Spot – A fungal disease, cercospora causes small purplish brown spotting on the leaves. Severely infected leaves turn pale and fall to the ground.
- Phyllosticta Leaf Spot – This fungal disease first appears as water-soaked spots on the leaves. Phyllosticta leaf spots become rimmed with brown discoloration. Viewing the spots with a hand lens reveals fungal fruiting bodies.
- Powdery Mildew – Characterized by fuzzy, gray patching on the leaves, the branching filaments of powdery mildew fungus can be seen with a hand lens.
- Botrytis Blight – Reddish to brown blotches appear on hydrangea blossoms. With magnification, gray spores are visible on fallen leaves infected with the botrytis blight fungus.
- Hydrangea Bacterial Leaf Spot – Leaf spotting occurs when the bacterium Xanthomonas penetrates the leaves through open areas like the stomata or wounded tissue.
- Rust – The first symptoms of this rust disease include yellow spotting on the upper surface of the leaf with orange or brown blisters appearing on the underside.
How to Treat Hydrangea Ringspot
Due to their systemic invasion, there are currently no cures
for viral infections in plants. The recommendation is to remove and properly
dispose of infected plants. Composting may not adequately destroy viral
components.
The primary mode of transmission for HRSV is through
infected sap. Transference of the hydrangea ringspot virus can occur when the
same cutting blade is used on multiple plants during the harvesting of flower
heads. Sterilizing
pruning and cutting tools is recommended. HRSV is not believed to be spread
by vector insects.
Finally, prevention is the best method for controlling
hydrangea ringspot disease. Don’t buy plants showing signs of HRSV. When
replacing an infected hydrangea with a healthy one, be aware the virus can
survive in any root material left in the ground from the diseased plant. Wait
at least a year to replant or use fresh soil when back filling around the new hydrangea
to prevent reinfection.
As the name suggests, hydrangea ringspot virus (HRSV) causes
round or ring-shaped spots to appear on the leaves of infected plants. However,
identifying the causative agent of leaf spotting in hydrangeas is difficult, as
many types of diseases show similarities to hydrangea ringspot symptoms.
Identifying Ringspot Virus on Hydrangea
Symptoms of hydrangea ringspot disease include pale yellow
or yellowish white spotting on the leaves. Leaf distortions, such as rolling or
crinkling, may be apparent in some varieties of hydrangea. Ringspot symptoms
may also present as fewer florets on the flower head and stunting of normal
plant growth. Testing of infected plant material is the only way to
conclusively identify hydrangea ringspot virus.
In all, fourteen viruses have been found to infect
hydrangeas, several of which have symptoms similar to hydrangea ringspot disease.
These include:
- Hydrangea chlorotic mottle virus
In addition, these bacterial and fungal infections can mimic
the symptoms of ringspot virus on hydrangea:
- Cercospora Leaf Spot – A fungal disease, cercospora causes small purplish brown spotting on the leaves. Severely infected leaves turn pale and fall to the ground.
- Phyllosticta Leaf Spot – This fungal disease first appears as water-soaked spots on the leaves. Phyllosticta leaf spots become rimmed with brown discoloration. Viewing the spots with a hand lens reveals fungal fruiting bodies.
- Powdery Mildew – Characterized by fuzzy, gray patching on the leaves, the branching filaments of powdery mildew fungus can be seen with a hand lens.
- Botrytis Blight – Reddish to brown blotches appear on hydrangea blossoms. With magnification, gray spores are visible on fallen leaves infected with the botrytis blight fungus.
- Hydrangea Bacterial Leaf Spot – Leaf spotting occurs when the bacterium Xanthomonas penetrates the leaves through open areas like the stomata or wounded tissue.
- Rust – The first symptoms of this rust disease include yellow spotting on the upper surface of the leaf with orange or brown blisters appearing on the underside.
How to Treat Hydrangea Ringspot
Due to their systemic invasion, there are currently no cures
for viral infections in plants. The recommendation is to remove and properly
dispose of infected plants. Composting may not adequately destroy viral
components.
The primary mode of transmission for HRSV is through
infected sap. Transference of the hydrangea ringspot virus can occur when the
same cutting blade is used on multiple plants during the harvesting of flower
heads. Sterilizing
pruning and cutting tools is recommended. HRSV is not believed to be spread
by vector insects.
Finally, prevention is the best method for controlling
hydrangea ringspot disease. Don’t buy plants showing signs of HRSV. When
replacing an infected hydrangea with a healthy one, be aware the virus can
survive in any root material left in the ground from the diseased plant. Wait
at least a year to replant or use fresh soil when back filling around the new hydrangea
to prevent reinfection.