DISEASE

NAME
Fungal Leaf Spot on Camellia
Pestalotiopsis and other species


Description
This fungus is a secondary pathogen attacking only dead tissue.

Symptoms
Damaged leaf tissue becomes sunken with a grey colour, papery-like and small black fruiting bodies appear on the surface. Normally it is not widespread on the plant.



Spot Disease(Pestalotia guepini) forms irregular spots with defined borders that meld giving the leaf surface a silvery appearance. Within the damaged areas black fruiting bodies appear and badly infected leaves fall prematurely.

Source and Dispersal
This fungus originates from other infected plants and the spores are spread by wind.

Favoured Conditions
There are no specific favoured conditions but fungus usually prefers a humid environment.
     
Affected Plants
Pestalotiopsis speciesis most commonly found on Camellia Japonica but will also attack other ornamental plant species such as Hoya carnosa.

Hoya carnosa

Camelliaspecies are also infected by several fungal leaf spots including (Phyllosticta camelliae), (Phyllosticta camelliaecola) and (Sporonemaa camellia).

Non-chemical Control
Remove and destroy affected leaves including fallen leaves under the plant.

Chemical Control
No satisfactory chemical control.