Lilac bacterial blight? - Ask Extension
Dear Sir/Madam,
We have lilacs bordering our property, and all seem to have their leaves drying. The leaves are covered in powdery white, then spots ...
Knowledgebase
Lilac bacterial blight? #877898
Asked July 19, 2024, 10:42 AM EDT
Dear Sir/Madam,
We have lilacs bordering our property, and all seem to have their leaves drying. The leaves are covered in powdery white, then spots of brown eventually cover the leaf which turns crispy and dry before falling.
Is this bacterial blight?
Will they survive this? Will they still be suffering next year?
What can I do?
Who can I turn to?
Respectfully,
Aurelie.
Hennepin County Minnesota
Expert Response
Yes, it appears to be Lilac Blight which has been prevalent this year. Powdery Mildew is also a possible cause. Clean up all dropped leaves. Water only at ground level keeping the foliage dry. Add fertilizer if needed. Prune out blight twigs and check for additional pruning to increase air flow between branches. See this and other state extension web pages.
https://extension.umn.edu/plant-diseases/leaf-spot-diseases-trees-and-shrubs
http://plantclinic.cornell.edu/factsheets/lilacbacterialblight.pdf
https://yardandgarden.extension.iastate.edu/encyclopedia/lilac-bacterial-blight
https://extension.umn.edu/plant-diseases/leaf-spot-diseases-trees-and-shrubs
http://plantclinic.cornell.edu/factsheets/lilacbacterialblight.pdf
https://yardandgarden.extension.iastate.edu/encyclopedia/lilac-bacterial-blight
