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Fungi, Part III - Page 2

© Leigh SumnerKirk

PHYLLOSTICTA CONCAVE/MYCOSPHAERELLA SPP. (dry rot)

Dry rot is only a problem in winter, for the most part. It is highly disfiguring and frequently fatal, over-taking plants very rapidly. Over-watering during dormancy is a major contributing factor. These Fungi usually only affect foliage, at least initially. If allowed to progress, however, they will eventually infect stem tissue. Leaves appear scorched, having beige to gray spots with darker brown borders. The spots increase in size, and eventually turn black. Spores may be evident on infected tissue, as well.

If caught early, remove and destroy infected tissue and re-pot in fresh soil. Spores of these Fungi are air-borne, but they may also be seed-borne. Suspect seeds should be treated with fungicide prior to planting. One source suggests a preventative application of fungicide in late spring and late fall to help control dry rot. It also observed that plants grown outdoors seem to be less susceptible, and theorised that this may be because they develop a thicker epidermis which is more difficult for spores to penetrate.

Next: Phymatotrichum omnivorum and Phytophora spp.

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