Peony Disease - Ask Extension
I believe my Peony has a virus and don’t think it is the standard black spot Botrytis because of the malformation of the leaves
Knowledgebase
Peony Disease #793207
Asked May 29, 2022, 2:07 PM EDT
I believe my Peony has a virus and don’t think it is the standard black spot Botrytis because of the malformation of the leaves
Washington County Ohio
Expert Response
Based on the yellow areas on your peony leaves, I can suggest two possible causes. The first is from the American Peony Society and describes a mosaic virus.
https://americanpeonysociety.org/learn/diseases-and-pests
Mosaic: Mosaic is a virus disease and is characterized by conspicuous yellowish blotches, rings or target patterns in leaves. Affected plants are not noticeably dwarfed or deformed. The disease seems to spread slowly, if at all. Although this is a mild disorder, propagation of diseased plants should be avoided.
The second is from the University of Pennsylvania Extension and describes nematode damage.
https://extension.psu.edu/peony-diseases
Another excellent source of information:
https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/gardens-gardening/your-garden/help-for-the-home-gardener/advice-tips-resources/visual-guides/peony-problems.aspx
Viral Diseases
Peonies are subject to a variety of viruses including peony ringspot virus, leaf curl, Le Moine disease, crown elongation, and mosaic. Symptoms include a general dwarfing of the plant, lack of proper chlorophyll production resulting in a mottled appearance on foliage, yellowing and in some cases rings on leaves as well as necrotic (dead) areas.
These diseases can be spread by feeding insects or mites, or
mechanically through hands and tools. Infected plants cannot be
cured. Remove and dispose of infected plants.
Lookalikes:
Damage caused by 2,4-D, other disease organisms or even environmental problems
You will need to examine your plants to see if either of these describe the damage shown in your photo.
It is hard for me to see all the damage to determine if this could have been caused by drift from spray in the immediate vicinity of your plant.
I hope this can be of help to you. Peonies are a beautiful plant and such a joy to see their early blooms!
https://americanpeonysociety.org/learn/diseases-and-pests
Mosaic: Mosaic is a virus disease and is characterized by conspicuous yellowish blotches, rings or target patterns in leaves. Affected plants are not noticeably dwarfed or deformed. The disease seems to spread slowly, if at all. Although this is a mild disorder, propagation of diseased plants should be avoided.
The second is from the University of Pennsylvania Extension and describes nematode damage.
https://extension.psu.edu/peony-diseases
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https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/gardens-gardening/your-garden/help-for-the-home-gardener/advice-tips-resources/visual-guides/peony-problems.aspx
Viral Diseases
Peonies are subject to a variety of viruses including peony ringspot virus, leaf curl, Le Moine disease, crown elongation, and mosaic. Symptoms include a general dwarfing of the plant, lack of proper chlorophyll production resulting in a mottled appearance on foliage, yellowing and in some cases rings on leaves as well as necrotic (dead) areas.
These diseases can be spread by feeding insects or mites, or
mechanically through hands and tools. Infected plants cannot be
cured. Remove and dispose of infected plants.
Lookalikes:
Damage caused by 2,4-D, other disease organisms or even environmental problems
You will need to examine your plants to see if either of these describe the damage shown in your photo.
It is hard for me to see all the damage to determine if this could have been caused by drift from spray in the immediate vicinity of your plant.
I hope this can be of help to you. Peonies are a beautiful plant and such a joy to see their early blooms!
