Can I put disease-infested plant material in my compost pile?

Question:

Can I put disease-infested plant material in my compost pile?

Answer:

Temperatures of 150 to 180 degrees Fahrenheit are required to kill most plant disease pathogens. Unfortunately, the internal temperatures of most home compost piles don’t reach this level and the disease organisms are not destroyed. For many home gardeners, it’s best to bury or haul away diseased plant material.