Oregon coast wax myrtle partial leaves browning on multiple plants - Ask Extension
Hello, I have a guesrion about a possible fungal or blight issue on several large wax myrtle. They surround a driveway and is shaded. The upper canopy...
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Oregon coast wax myrtle partial leaves browning on multiple plants #867900
Asked May 10, 2024, 2:04 PM EDT
Hello, I have a guesrion about a possible fungal or blight issue on several large wax myrtle. They surround a driveway and is shaded. The upper canopy and outside branches seem healthy while on the inside there is a large die off of leaves on the interior lower branches turning brown and curling. While inspecting the leaves i noticed some small white spotting that could be a mildew. I broke multiple stems to see if they were green and they looked fine so no die off on the branches. Just the leaves. We have had a lot of rain this spring and am concerned this is a condition that will spread or kill the plant. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks, Yves LWCHA
Lincoln County Oregon
Expert Response
This is most likely a leaf blight that has been seen on wax myrtle in the Central Coast area between Florence and Lincoln City. It is caused by a fungus-like organism that overwinters in leaves on the ground. Then it produces spores that are splashed onto leaves producing new infections. Here is some information from the Pacific Northwest Plant Disease Handbook - https://pnwhandbooks.org/plantdisease/host-disease/california-wax-myrtle-morella-californica-leaf-blight
Please consider implementing the recommended cultural controls, e.g., prune off infected leaves/branches, and remove & destroy fallen leaves from around the plant base. These controls seem to provide the best way to reduce future infections.
Please consider implementing the recommended cultural controls, e.g., prune off infected leaves/branches, and remove & destroy fallen leaves from around the plant base. These controls seem to provide the best way to reduce future infections.
Thank you Bill. I appreciate the info. It appears to be a common problem here unfortunately...
Best, Yves
On 2024-05-13 4:05 pm, Ask Extension wrote:
