Michigan State University Extension
Ornamental Plants plus Version 3.0 - 00000237
11/12/99

CACTUS DISEASE PROBLEMS


Wilt starts with brown spotting and wilting at the base of
the plant then extends upwards. Avoid over-watering and
long periods of excessive humidity.

Stem rot develops quickly from well-defined yellow lesions
that later become dark brown. Entire plants may collapse
and die within 2 to 4 days. Destroy badly diseased
plants.

Pad decay affects the cactus segments or pads. Cut out
and destroy diseased parts and avoid wounding.

Slimy collar rot causes a soft, slimy, black rot at the
base of the plant. There is no effective control.

Soft rot or gray mold causes tissue discoloration then
rotting and collapse of the upper surface. Plant tissues
undergo a slimy disintegration. Under moist conditions, a
gray mold develops on the surface of diseased parts.
Remove diseased tissue.

Bud fall is the premature dropping of flower buds.
Possible causes are, lack of nourishment, excessive
nitrogen, excessive soil dryness, over-watering, and
syringing with cold water.

Corky scab causes irregular, rusty or corky spots on
stems. Older parts of the plant may have many spots while
young shoots have none. Severe attacks may destroy entire
shoots. Mild attacks may decrease flower production.
Epidermal cells dry then the epidermis breaks open and
curls. Increase light exposure and decrease humidity.

Glassiness symptoms are dark green translucent spots.
Slight pressure crushes the epidermis then the tissue
beneath rapidly turns black. The shoots above the
infection may be killed. Mild attacks cause corky layers
or spots. Increase light exposure and decrease humidity.

Related information.
Pesticide Recommendations


Go To Top of File        Michigan State University Extension Home Page        Main Page for this Data Base        MNLA Web Site
This information is for educational purposes only. References to commercial products or trade names does not imply endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not mentioned. This information becomes public property upon publication and may be printed verbatim with credit to MSU Extension. Reprinting cannot be used to endorse or advertise a commercial product or company. This file was generated from data base ZZ on 01/19/00. Data base ZZ was last revised on 11/12/99. For more information about this data base or its contents please contact heatley@msue.msu.edu . Please read our disclaimer for important information about using our site.