DISEASE

NAME
Eucalyptus Shoot Blight
Quambalaria pitereka

Description
A fungal problem that attacks some Eucalyptusand Corymbiaspecies.



Symptoms
Young shoots and leaves are attacked causing them to become distorted and have an appearance of being spatted with white paint. This is caused by sporulation of the fungus and it progresses from the leaves to the stems causing splitting of the bark. Infected leaves fall prematurely and dieback occurs in the stems. The overall effect is a sparsely foliaged tree with heavily distorted shoot tips.

Source and Dispersal
It is found on other infected trees and is dispersed by wind, rain or infected nursery stock and contaminated leaves or branches. Once a tree is infected it moves rapidly throughout the plant.

Favoured Conditions
It prefers humid still conditions with warm temperatures and is particularly a problem in tropical areas. It has been recorded in many areas of New South Wales and Queensland, especially in coastal and highland areas.
     
Affected Plants
Eucalyptus, Corymbiaand Angophora species such as C. citriodora, C. maculataand Angophora costataare infected and repetitive attack stunts or can in rare cases kill the tree.

Non-chemical Control
On small trees remove and destroy the infected parts or in a nursery remove and destroy infected stock.

Chemical Control
Plants may be sprayed at five day intervals with copper oxychloride if possible.
Note
Always read the label for registration details and direction of use prior to application of any chemicals.