Blister in the Sun

Leaf blister on maple? You say no way, leaf blister only gets on oak… A foliar disease that looks very much like anthracnose has appeared on area red maples in the last few days.

Maple leaf blister

Maple leaf blister, caused by the fungus Taphrina carveri. Photo: Sabrina Tirpak, Rutgers PDL

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Brown Ring Patch

Several samples of brown ring patch found their way into the Plant Diagnostic Laboratory this week. Sometimes confused with take-all, fairy ring, or yellow patch, this relatively newly described malady of Poa annua putting greens is caused by the fungus Waitea circinata.

Brown ring patch on Poa annua

Brown ring patch on Poa annua. Photo: Richard Buckley, Rutgers PDL

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Bizzaro World

The crew of the Plant Diagnostic Laboratory are always on the hunt for new and exciting examples of plant damage. Last week, out walking her dog, Sabrina Tirpak our Principle Technician and photographer happened upon a red maple with these amazing red leaf spots.

Dramatic leaf spots caused by the ocellate maple gall midge, Acericecis ocellaris. Photo: Sabrina Tirpak, Rutgers PDL

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Happy Mothers Day!

Just like clockwork and in time to thrill your mother for Mothers Day, the telia of the fungus Gymnosporangium juniperi-virginianae appeared on area junipers.

Telia of Gymnosproangium juniperous-virginianae

Telia of Gymnosporangium juniperi-virginianae on Eastern red cedar. Photo: Richard Buckley, Rutgers PDL

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Leaf Spot Diseases in Landscape Turf

An unexpected sample walked into the laboratory at the end of last week. Net blotch, which is caused by the fungus Drechslera dictyoides, was subsequently diagnosed on a sample of turf-type tall fescue.

net blotch leaf lesions on tall fescue

Net blotch leaf lesions on tall fescue. Photo: Sabrina Tirpak, Rutgers PDL

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Take Off Your Rose Colored Glasses

Downy mildew was identified in Knock Out® rose samples submitted to the Plant Diagnostic Lab from a south-Jersey nursery this week. Knock Outs®, which have few problems, have been a favorite in New Jersey landscapes in recent years. Unfortunately, it seems this plant has met its Achilles’ heel.

downy mildew on double knock out rose

Downy mildew on Double Knock Out® rose. Photo: Sabrina Tirpak, Rutgers PDL

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