CLEMATIS               STEM ROT Stem rot is a common fungal disease of clematis. This disease is difficult to diagnose since the fungus infects stems near the soil line.

Symptoms: Wilting, browning, and death of leaves along an entire stem. A red to brown lesion may be visible at the base of the affected stem. Photo by Crystal Floyd

General Information

Causal organism:	Ascochyta clematidina
Over wintering:	Infected stem debris
Months of infection:	Growing Season
Method of dispersal:	Rain
Infection point:	Stems at the soil line

Control Measures

Control:	Prune out and dispose of dead or dying stems. Properly water, fertilize, and mulch plants. Plant in well-drained soil using trellises. Properly space plants.
Labeled fungicides: (First Application)	Sulfur or thiophanate-methyl (Cleary's 3336) (May)
Comments:	Ascochyta can occasionally cause tan leaf spots with red margins.

Definitions & Disclaimer

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Plant Disease Diagnostics
University of Minnesota, Yard and Garden Clinic
Developed (1999) and maintained by
Chad J. Behrendt, Ph.D. and Crystal M. Floyd

For plant disease questions contact the Yard and Garden Line Content Last Updated 09/07/00 View University of Minnesota Disclaimer