Downy Leaf Spot
Need to know:
- A white powdery coating is present on the underside of infected leaves.
- Broom formation, or abnormal clustering of twigs, near the ends of branches may occur, often making the twigs stunted and yellowish.
- Beginning in midsummer the twigs of the broom formation drop.
- Brooms can be pruned to improve appearance of the tree.
Overview of Downy leaf spot
Downy leaf spot, also referred to as white mold or white leaf spot, is caused by the fungus Microstroma juglandis. Downy leaf spot affects various species of walnut and hickory.
Symptoms of Downy leaf spot
The upper leaf surface usually shows chlorotic (yellow) spots. Symptoms appear directly above fungal signs present on lower leaf surface.
Signs of Downy leaf spot
As the leaves of infected trees approach full size in spring, the undersides show a white powdery coating, often more concentrated along the leaf veins. This white coating consists of fungal structures and spores.
Disease cycle of Downy leaf spot
The fungus may also cause broom formation (abnormal clustering of twigs) near the ends of branches. The leaves in the brooms are usually stunted and yellowish, and often drop beginning in midsummer. It appears that the fungus grows perennially in twigs and buds.
Type of Sample Needed for Diagnosis and Confirmation
The Iowa State University Plant & Insect Diagnostic Clinic can help you to investigate and confirm if you plant has this disease. Please see our website for current forms, fees, and instructions on collecting and packing samples. Contact information for each states diagnostic laboratory for U.S. residents. If your sample is from outside of Iowa please do not submit it to the Plant & Insect Diagnostic Clinic without contacting us
Management of Downy leaf spot
Downy spot is considered to be economically insignificant. Fungicide control measures are not recommended. If desired, brooms can be pruned to improve the appearance of the tree.
Fungicide applications may be avoided by following good Integrated Pest Management practices like those listed in this encyclopedia article. Often, the only preventative application is effective to manage plant diseases. If the problem requires a fungicide, state law requires the user to read and follow all labels accordingly. For more information, read Proper fungicide use.
Links to this article are strongly encouraged, and this article may be republished without further permission if published as written and if credit is given to the author, Yard and Garden, and Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. If this article is to be used in any other manner, permission from the author is required. This article was originally published on September 1, 2016. The information contained within may not be the most current and accurate depending on when it is accessed.