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Lilac leaves and dying bushes #879220

Asked July 29, 2024, 11:35 AM EDT

There are several lilac bushes that have died and more that seem to be infected with some type of blight. The leaves turn brown and dry and the bush eventually dies. They are not located near any farm fields, some are near roads and some are behind the house. Remaining living plants are infected, don't want to lose them all!

Gladwin County Michigan

Expert Response

Hello Danielle

We have had a large number of questions like yours on lilac this year. Conditions have been ideal( humid, wet, warm) for leaf spot diseases on lilac. It is too late to apply anything to the plant, other than keeping it watered during dry times. Redirect sprinklers, or water early in the day, so leaves are kept dry or will be dried quickly in the sun.

I can't be sure of what is causing the problems, but it does look similar to bacterial blight or psuedocercospora leaf spot. There are bulletins below on leaf diseases.

Rake up all fallen debris this fall to minimize overwintering pathogens.

https://extension.oregonstate.edu/news/how-recognize-treat-avoid-lilac-bacterial-blight


https://hnr.k-state.edu/extension/horticulture-resource-center/common-pest-problems/documents/Lilac_Pseudocercospora_Leaf_Spot.pdf

https://lancaster.unl.edu/hort/articles/2005/prunelilacs.shtml

Since this is affecting several lilacs, consider submitting samples to the MSU Plant and Pest Diagnostic lab. An exact identification will prepare you to apply the correct preventitive next spring. There is a modest fee for the service.

https://www.canr.msu.edu/pestid/

A 3 stage “rejuvenation pruning" on some of your largest lilacs may be helpful to get some new fresh growth.

https://lancaster.unl.edu/rejuvenating-older-lilacs

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