Project Description

Boxwood Blight Damage

A serious disease of boxwoods caused by the fungal pathogen Cylindrocladium
buxicola, first seen in the United States in 2011. The disease infects leaves and branches and causes defoliation and dieback. Infected stems sshow long blackish-brown cankers that appear as stripes on stems. Under hot, humid conditions clusters of white spores are visible. The disease can cause repeated defoliation which will cause decline and eventual death. Spray treatments are considered ineffective in landscapes. Best practice involves rogueing out infected plants and transporting them rapidly away from uninfected plants for disposal. It’s important to check all boxwoods bought commercially and turn away any possibly infected plant material to avoid infecting established boxwoods