Phomopsis Blight
Phomopsis blight
Common name
Phomopsis blight
Juniper twig blight
Causal agent
It is caused by a fungus belonging to the genus phomopsis and mainly attacks eastern red cedar.
Scientific name
Phomopsis juniperovora
Symptoms & Signs
Yellow or brown tips of juniper are among the first symptoms of phomopsis blight. Young shoots have a greater risk of being infected and dying. It infects the needles and turns them reddish-brown, light green, and ash-gray. Black fruiting structures may also be present near the base of leaves and shoots.
Transmission
The fungal spores are spread to other plants through rainwater and wind. Wet conditions increase the risk of spread of disease.
Time of concern
Spring to early summer
Common hosts
Eastern red cedar
Juniper
Rocky mountain
Cypress
Japanese cedar
Yew
Fir