Plant Disease and Insect Clinic
News & Alerts
Happy New Year 2013 from the
NCSU Plant Disease and Insect Clinic
Posted by M.J. Munster on 02 Jan 2013
last update: 02 Jan 2013
The Plant Disease and Insect Clinic is open and operating during regular hours. For those who plan to come to the clinic in person, please note that Dan Allen Drive will be closed at the railroad trestle from 9am to 5pm daily, starting on January 14th. The main visitors' entrance will not be affected. See the north campus map for the route to the Clinic. Do not hesitate to call us if you have any questions. 919-515-3619.
For those still looking for a New Year's resolution, consider making good sampling a priority. This web site contains detailed instructions by crop type, from the "How to Submit a Sample" button at left. You can also go straight to our videos on sampling and packaging.
Downy Mildew of Impatiens Confirmed in North Carolina
Posted by M.J. Munster on 18 Jun 2012
last update: 18 Jun 2012
Downy mildew of impatiens was confirmed last week from multiple locations in North Carolina. This is the first time since 2007 that the Plant Disease and Insect Clinic has confirmed the presence of the pathogen (Plasmopara obducens) in our state. Producers, retailers, landscapers, and homeowners will want to check impatiens for signs of this fast-spreading and destructive disease. Symptoms include leaf yellowing and curling, and defoliation. A characteristic white felt of spores may form on the underside of infected leaves under favorable conditions. Fortunately, only impatiens are affected by this particular species of downy mildew. New Guinea impatiens are tolerant. More information is available on our blog, and in the June 15, 2012 edition of NC Pest News.
Downy mildew on impatiens (Photo: Kelly Ivors)
Box blight now present in NC and US
Posted by M.J. Munster on 29 Nov 2011
last update: 17 Jan 2012
The presence in North Carolina of box blight, caused by the fungus Cylindrocladium pseudonaviculatum, was confirmed in October 2011. This fungus has been present in Europe and New Zealand for several years, but has now made its first appearance in the USA. The only known natural hosts for this fungus are species of Buxus, and the infestation in North Carolina appears to be very limited in extent. For further details on the disease, the situation, and what to do if you suspect it in your boxwoods, see the Alert by Drs. Kelly Ivors and Anthony LeBude at http://go.ncsu.edu/boxblight. See also the guide to box blight symptoms.
NCEES and NCDA&CS personnel, please see this additional information.
Containerized boxwood with box blight
Expanded range for Laurel Wilt in NC
Updated 22 February 2012
The fungus that causes laurel wilt (Raffaelea lauricola) has been confirmed for the first time in Brunswick County. NCFS Forest Health staff found symptomatic trees in Brunswick County near Sandy Creek. Stained wood samples were sent to the USDA Forest Service Southern Research Station Laboratory in Athens, GA, where culturing confirmed the presence of the pathogen.
Counties in North Carolina where laurel wilt is known to be present include Bladen, Brunswick, Columbus, Pender, and Sampson (map).
Red Bay Ambrosia Beetle Found in North Carolina
Article by Steve Bambara, April 15, 2011
Updated February 22, 2012
The red bay ambrosia beetle, Xyleborus glabratus, and the fungus Raffaelea lauricola, together
constitute an insect/disease threat. Currently, laurel wilt has been reported in five counties in North Carolina: Bladen, Brunswick, Columbus, Pender, and Sampson.
The beetle transmits the fungus which causes the disease known as laurel wilt. The combination is generally fatal to red bay, which is an important maritime forest species and is also sometimes found in the landscape. The decline of red bay may have secondary implications for some animals and other plant species
Other plants in the laurel family, including sassafras, are also susceptible to the fungus. This disease complex poses a serious threat to the avocado industry in Florida. More information about laurel wilt 
Symptoms of laurel wilt. Images by James Johnson (Bugwood )
New Publication by Extension Plant Pathologists
Posted by M.J. Munster on 31 Aug 2011
We are pleased to announce the release of a new extension publication, AG-747 "Suggested Plant Species for Sites with a History of Phytophthora Root or Crown Rot". The brainchild of former PDIC Director Tom Creswell, this document provides replant recommendations for use when Phytophthora has been diagnosed in landscape ornamentals. Tables are presented for annual bedding plants, herbaceous perennials, and woody ornamentals (trees and shrubs). The compact URL for emailing is http://go.ncsu.edu/phytophthorareplacementplants
Azalea showing symptoms of Phytophthora root rot. Image by Dr. Kelly Ivors
Cucubit downy mildew returns to North Carolina
Posted by M.J. Munster on 27 June 2011
On 16 June 2011, the Plant Disease and Insect Clinic confirmed the year's first North Carolina case of cucurbit downy mildew, caused by the fungus-like organism Pseudoperonospora cubensis. It came from a cucumber field in Sampson County. Shortly thereafter, the disease was reported in Hertford and Alamance counties. This disease is capable of infecting all cucurbits, including cucumber, cantalope, squash, pumpkin, and watermelon. For more information and commercial control recommendations, see the 24 June 2011 issue of North Carolina Pest News. For the current status of the disease and forecasts of areas at risk, see the Cucurbit Downy Mildew Forecast Homepage.
Symptoms of downy mildew on cucumber. Image by Mike Munster
Camellia petal blight
Posted by Barbara Shew, March 21, 2011
Petal blight is common on japonica camellias almost every year during bloom time in North Carolina. Wet weather and mild winter days favor this disease.
Petal blight symptoms. Note the
ring of white fungus in the base of the flower.
Petal blight is caused by the fungus Ciborinia camelliae. This fungus produces large, hard, black, irregular-shaped structures at the base of infected flowers. These structures survive on soil or mulch until the following winter, when they produce small mushroom-like bodies. These “mushrooms” produce thousands of tiny spores that infect camellia flowers, starting a new cycle of infection.
Because the fungus structures produced in the flower are the source of future infections, the best way control this disease is to remove all fallen flowers and debris from around your camellias. The fungus structure is too large and hard to be completely destroyed by composting, so infested debris should be disposed of completely.