Plant Disease and Insect Clinic
News & Alerts
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.