Carnation septoria leaf spot is a common, yet highly
destructive, disease that spreads rapidly from plant to plant. The good news is
that septoria leaf spot of carnations, which shows up in warm, damp conditions,
is relatively easy to manage if caught soon after symptoms first appear. Read
on to learn more about carnation septoria symptoms and what you can do about
this pesky disease.
Recognizing Septoria on Carnations
Septoria on carnations is easy to spot by the development of
pale brown patches with purple or violet edges. These show up first on the
lower part of the plant. Most likely, you’ll also notice tiny black spores in
the center of the rings.
As the spots enlarge and grow together, the leaves may die.
Carnation septoria symptoms may include leaves that bend downward or sideways.
Managing Septoria Leaf Spot of Carnations
Septoria on carnations is favored by warm, damp conditions
and spreads by splashing water and windborne rain. Mitigating these conditions
as much as possible is the key in carnation leaf spot control.
Don’t crowd carnation
plants. Allow plenty of space for air to circulate, especially during damp,
rainy weather or periods of high humidity. Water at the base of the plant and
avoid overhead sprinklers. Although you can’t control the weather, it helps to
keep the foliage as dry as possible. Apply a layer of mulch
under the plants to keep water from splashing on the leaves.
Sanitation is major in controlling septoria on carnations.
Remove infected leaves on and around the plant and dispose of them properly.
Keep the area free of weeds and debris; the disease can overwinter on diseased
plant matter. Never put infected plant matter in your compost
bin.
If carnation septoria leaf spot is severe, spray the plants
with a fungicidal
product as soon as symptoms appear. The next year, consider planting
carnations in a different, unaffected location in your garden.
Carnation septoria leaf spot is a common, yet highly
destructive, disease that spreads rapidly from plant to plant. The good news is
that septoria leaf spot of carnations, which shows up in warm, damp conditions,
is relatively easy to manage if caught soon after symptoms first appear. Read
on to learn more about carnation septoria symptoms and what you can do about
this pesky disease.
Recognizing Septoria on Carnations
Septoria on carnations is easy to spot by the development of
pale brown patches with purple or violet edges. These show up first on the
lower part of the plant. Most likely, you’ll also notice tiny black spores in
the center of the rings.
As the spots enlarge and grow together, the leaves may die.
Carnation septoria symptoms may include leaves that bend downward or sideways.
Managing Septoria Leaf Spot of Carnations
Septoria on carnations is favored by warm, damp conditions
and spreads by splashing water and windborne rain. Mitigating these conditions
as much as possible is the key in carnation leaf spot control.
Don’t crowd carnation
plants. Allow plenty of space for air to circulate, especially during damp,
rainy weather or periods of high humidity. Water at the base of the plant and
avoid overhead sprinklers. Although you can’t control the weather, it helps to
keep the foliage as dry as possible. Apply a layer of mulch
under the plants to keep water from splashing on the leaves.
Sanitation is major in controlling septoria on carnations.
Remove infected leaves on and around the plant and dispose of them properly.
Keep the area free of weeds and debris; the disease can overwinter on diseased
plant matter. Never put infected plant matter in your compost
bin.
If carnation septoria leaf spot is severe, spray the plants
with a fungicidal
product as soon as symptoms appear. The next year, consider planting
carnations in a different, unaffected location in your garden.