Drepanopeziza sphaerioides
Drepanopeziza sphaerioides
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Drepanopeziza sphaerioides, or Willow Anthracnose, is one of the main fungal diseases of Salix in the UK.
Unlike Willow Canker and Scab, trees infected by Anthracnose sheds the affected foliage.
It's important to note that following shedding the disease can persist in infected shoots.
Weeping Willow is always the most hard hit. Infections of other Salix spp. are less frequent.
Identification
Dark spots on leaves of Salix.
Raised notches on stems/ shoots.
Growth factors
- Occurs in Spring and Summer.
- Wet, damp or humid weather facilitates the spread of the fungus.
Symptoms
Small dark brown or black spots on leaves.
Distorted growth of leaves.
Irregular-sized lesions on stems which are raised.
Premature leaf fall.
Shoots drop.
Biological treatment
Shed leaves should be scraped up.
Any branches or stems with raised notches should be pruned of as soon as possible.
Dispose of in the landfill bin.
Prevention
Opting for 'Salix × sepulcralis var. sepulcralis' and S. 'Erythroflexuosa' will save you the worry because they're resistant to the disease.