Asked July 22, 2021, 9:15 AM EDT
Hi, Growing in my backyard are 40 year old boxwoods that are planted in two long rows. Over the last 4 to 5 years, an individual plant among healthy plants will show the following sequence of disease symptoms: one branch will stop growing, its leaves will turn bronze, and then the leaves will fall off. Then another branch or two will repeat the same sequence, and finally, all the remaining branches repeat the sequence until the plant is dead (see plant pic for disease progression). There are no obvious black cankers like those associated with boxwood blight, but I do see some white speckles on a dying eaves and stems (see closeup pic). It looks like I'll eventually lose all of the boxwoods unless I can find an effective treatment. Please help me! Can you tell me what the problem is, and how do I treat it? Incidentally, I work on the College Park campus so that I could bring some samples to the Plant Sciences Building, if you are still located there. I am really grateful for any assistance that you can provide me. Gratefully, Todd Cooke
Montgomery County Maryland