symptoms
Symptoms
- circleSmall circular red to maroon spots on leaves
- circleSpots developing grey centers as they mature
- circleHeavy defoliation in wet seasons, weakening the plant
help
Causes
Caused by the fungus Entomosporium mespili, common on photinia, hawthorn, and related plants, spreading via water splash in prolonged wet, humid weather.
healing
Treatment
Remove and destroy fallen and infected leaves, prune to open up the canopy, and apply fungicide sprays during wet periods if the plant has a history of infection.
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Prevention
Avoid overhead irrigation, plant with adequate spacing for airflow, and choose resistant species or cultivars where reinfection is persistent.