Dogwood Anthracnose and its Spread in the South

Robert L. Anderson; John L. Knighten; Keith Langdon; Floyd Hedrix; Ron Roncadori

Treesearch

Dogwood Anthracnose and its Spread in the South

Informally Refereed

Authors:

Robert L. Anderson, John L. Knighten, Keith Langdon, Floyd Hedrix, Ron Roncadori

Type:

Miscellaneous Publication

Station:

Northern Research Station

Source:

[unknown:]U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Southern Region, Forest Health Protection

Download (PDF 0 KB)

Download (PDF 0 KB): https://research.fs.usda.gov/download/treesearch/10877.pdf

Abstract

In the 15 years since it was first reported in the United States, dogwood anthracnose (caused by Discula destructive sp. nov.) has spread rapidly and caused serious losses among flowering dogwoods (Cornus florida L.), particularly in the South. Infection begins in leaves and spreads to twigs and branches, which dieback. Main-stem infections cause cankers, which kill the trees. In the South, infection is most likely at higher elevations and on moist to wet sites. Shade increases risk of infection and mortality. High-value trees can be protected by mulching, pruning, and watering during droughts, and applying a fungicide.

Citation

Anderson, Robert L.; Knighten, John L.; Windham, Mark; Langdon, Keith; Hedrix, Floyd; Roncadori, Ron 0. Dogwood Anthracnose and its Spread in the South. [unknown:]U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Southern Region, Forest Health Protection