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Aster yellow on coneflowers #868058

Asked May 12, 2024, 10:05 AM EDT

I pulled out all my coneflowers last year because of them. Is it safe to plant new coneflowers in the same location? Should I remove the dirt in the area?

St. Louis County Minnesota

Expert Response

Thank you for writing. 
The biology here is complex. The germ lives in plants, including weeds that are susceptible to aster yellows. 
The germ does not live in soil.
The germ can survive the winter in the infected roots of perennial plants, including weeds, 
The germ spreads by a particular insect.
Therefore, the key is weeding all infected plants and infected perennial weeds. This is a big list. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/gardens-gardening/your-garden/help-for-the-home-gardener/advice-tips-resources/insects-pests-and-problems/diseases/viruses/aster-yellows#:~:text=Aster%20yellows%20is%20a%20disease,and%20grains%20are%20also%20hosts.

Because weeds can root in compost piles, I suggest bagging and disposing of lawn waste rather than composting it. 


https://extension.umn.edu/yard-and-garden-news/aster-yellows
https://extension.umn.edu/plant-diseases/aster-yellows
Steve Miles, Master Gardener, Hennepin County MN (I am a human being, not a bot nor AI). I am an avid gardener but am not a degreed or certified horticulturist or arborist. I am happy to receive follow-up questions if my responses are incomplete or unclear.  This is the University of MN' garden soil testing service.  https://soiltest.cfans.umn.edu/testing-services/lawn-garden This is guidance on how to find a tree expert.  https://extension.umn.edu/planting-and-growing-guides/how-hire-tree-care-professional The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum is a wonderful place to see and learn about plants that grow in Minnesota. https://mngardens.horticulture.umn.edu/minnesota-landscape-arboretum Replied May 12, 2024, 1:32 PM EDT

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