Analysis - view details of type of pest/disease/disorder
  Index BFW

Volutella-twig blight of boxelder - Pseudonectria rousseliana | deutsch

Symptoms    Reduced shoot elongation, leaves distorted and densily attached to the twigs; yellowing, browning, finally grey discoloration and cast pf leaves; bark of twig and branches dies off in sectors (necroses)and is detached from the wood; the wood is partially stained blueish black. On the lower surface of the dead leaves as well as on the bark necroses minute pink pustules with bristles = spore tufts of the asexual stage Volutella buxi (hand lens).
Impact    Dieback of boxelder with yellowing of leaves may be caused by several fungi; Volutella-blight is one of the most common diseases of boxelder and can be easily diagnosed by the pink spore tufts. Main possibility of errors is, however, a much more serious disease, which is often masked by Volutella-blight (Cylindrocladium buxicola, see there). Volutella-disease can be induced by drougth stress, wrong ph of the soil, nutrient deficiency, stagnant moisture, inappropriate mulching or infection sources in the vicinity. The fungus hibernates on leaves in the litter. In spring leaves and twigs are infected via small wounds (for instance following pruning, or fine cracks in the branch forks). On the leaves masses of spores develop, which are able to infect further leaves under humid conditions.
Control    Shortly before growth begins in spring, all dead material should be carefully removed (also the litter!); in heavy infestations control with copper fungicides also just before flushing, two times repeated (see Official Register of Plant Protection).
Hosts   Boxelder;
Affected plant parts    Leaf; Shoot/Twig/Branch; Stem;


Volutella buxi, browning of leaves
Volutella buxi, browning of leaves
Volutella buxi, yellowish leaf with spore pustules on the lower surface
Volutella buxi, yellowish leaf with spore pustules on the lower surface, twig below rather uninfected
Volutella buxi, yellowish leaf with spore pustules on the lower surface, spore tufts with bristles
Volutella buxi, death of fine twigs: cracks and spore tufts

The shown graphical material is copyrighted. © 2006 BFW Wien. You can use the images for your own publications only if you name the source AND if you have a valid agreement with BFW Vienna. Furthermore images in high resolution are for sale at BFW.
In this case please contact (Department of Forest Protection) or , our PR manager.

Index BFW | Department of Forest Protection | Other types of damage | Back