Phomopsis and Kabatina are two common fungi causing death of the new leaves and shoots.  |
Symptoms of Phomopsis: Yellowing and/or browning of the young leaves, along with dieback of the young succulent shoots. Dead leaves eventually turn dark gray and drop from the tree. Symptoms caused by Kabatina would appear similar. Photo by University of MN Extension Service |
| Causal organism: | Phomopsis juniperovora Kabatina juniperi |
| Over wintering: | In plant material |
| Months of infection: | Phomopsis: Growing season (most susceptible in spring) Kabatina: September-November |
| Method of dispersal: | Wind & rain Mechanical (Kabatina only) |
| Infection point: | Phomopsis: Young succulent leaves Kabatina: Wounds on leaves and shoots |
| Control: | Prune out dead or dying branches in late winter or during dry weather. Properly water, fertilize, and mulch trees. Avoid wounding plants. |
| Labelled fungicides: (First Application) |
Phomopsis: Mancozeb or thiophanate-methyl (Cleary's 3336) (April) Kabatina: Thiophanate-methyl (Cleary's 3336) (August) |
| Comments: | Phomopsis and Kabatina cause similar symptoms and can be difficult to differentiate. Symptoms expressed in the spring on the current year's growth are caused by Phomopsis, while symptoms expressed on last year's growth are caused by Kabatina. Microscopic examination is often used for confirmation. |
| For additional info | Back to Juniper/ E. Red Cedar Diseases |