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Alfalfa mosaic virus #318804

Asked May 04, 2016, 3:33 PM EDT

If I pull out all infected pachysandra, how long do I have to wait to replant more. Should I put any sort of herbicide on soil after removing infected plants? Will the plants die on their own if I don't do anything at all(i.e. Pull them out) Thanks Lorraine Demarest<personal data hidden>

Allegheny County Pennsylvania

Expert Response

Hello!

Do you have photos that you can attach?  There are a number of diseases that affect Pachysandra, including recently introduced boxwood blight (oh joy), and the treatments vary depending on organism.  Given that three diseases that kill pachysandra look so similar, volutella, boxwood blight, and alfalfa mosaic virus, it may be necessary to send a sample to state college for a lab evaluation.

The treatment is usually removing, destroying, and not planting the same plant in its place.  Most of the pachysandras are vegetatively propagated so it is highly likely any pachysandra will be susceptible to the diseases.  More info will help!
An Ask Extension Expert Replied May 04, 2016, 5:02 PM EDT
Here are a few pictures of the pachysandra.
The Question Asker Replied May 05, 2016, 12:50 PM EDT
From looking at your pictures it seems to me that it is a fungus, Volutella, that is affecting your pachysandra. That first photo, the deading out, is especially what I've seen as volutella in the past. I've attached 3 photos of each of the diseases I've mentioned in the first response, starting with Volutella.

More information, including treatment, can be found here: http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/gardens-gardening/your-garden/help-for-the-home-gardener/advice-tips-resources/pests-and-problems/diseases/fungal-spots/volutella-blight.aspx





An Ask Extension Expert Replied May 05, 2016, 1:07 PM EDT

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