Michigan State University Extension
Ornamental Plants plus Version 3.0 - 00001691
11/12/99
Leaf and Stem Blight of Pachysandra
The leaf and stem blight of ground cover pachysandra
caused by the fungus Volutella pachysandricola is a
destructive disease that occurs throughout the north
central United States.
Symptoms: Leaves show large, chocolate-colored blotches,
then become withered and blighted. Stem tips are also
affected. The stems shrivel and the infection generally
spreads in blighted patches.
Cause: The fungus parasitizes plants under stress from
drought, scale insects or winter injury, particularly
when overcrowded beds and beds covered with damp fall
leaves or heavy mulch retain humidity and extend the
period of leaf wetness needed for infection by spores.
Spores of the fungus form on the blighted leaves and stems
and are splashed to other plants, where they cause new
infections.
Control: Periodically thin out pachysandra beds, carefully
remove severely infected plants, and prune out all
blighted leaves and stems. For winter, use a mulch that
does not hold water. In addition, control scale insects
as recommended.
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.