Entomosporium Leaf Spot
This fungal disease thrives in humid conditions.
Entomosporium leaf spot, Entomosporium maculatum, is a fungal leaf spot disease common on rose relatives such as red tip photinia, quince, pear and Indian hawthorn. Once foliage is infected with the fungus it eventually dies and drops from the plant.
Entomosporium leaf spot thrives in hot, humid conditions. The fungal spores are spread from leaf to leaf through water droplets. Leaf spot is a common problem on these shrubs that receive too much shade and/or overhead watering on the foliage.
What to look for
Entomosporium maculatum produces tiny red spots on plant leaves hat will sometimes have a yellow ring around the edges. Over time, the spots get darker and enlarge, covering the entire leaf.
How to treat
- Leaves that are infected cannot be saved and must be removed quickly. Don’t add them to the compost pile, rather bag them up and dispose of them into the trash.
- Clean up dropped leaves around the infected plants to avoid further spread of spores.
- Watering at the soil line and not on top of the leaves will help deter fungal diseases. Water left on foliage overnight encourages fungal diseases.
- Water plants in the early morning so leaves have time to dry during the day.
- If humidity persists, treat plants with an approved fungicide.
