Asters yellow or mutation? - Ask Extension
Im getting mixed results from people. On my black eyed susan. Is this asters yellow or just a random mutation? Just 2 flowers from what i can see, but...
Knowledgebase
Asters yellow or mutation? #585702
Asked August 02, 2019, 10:52 AM EDT
Im getting mixed results from people. On my black eyed susan. Is this asters yellow or just a random mutation? Just 2 flowers from what i can see, but right next to my coneflowers and close to my sunflowers, but only thing affected that i can see. Recommendations???
Ramsey County Minnesota
Expert Response
Hello. I'm glad you've turned to AaEx.
It certainly looks like it but I can't guarantee that this is the issue just from a photo. I would suggest removing the plant and destroying it or composting it so that bacterial infection is not spread to adjacent plants by leafhoppers.
If you're interested in a definitive diagnosis, you could replant it in a 'quarantine' area away from all plants you don't want affected (even then leafhoppers travel far) and then send in a live sample from the plant to the U of MN Extension Plant Disease Clinic. Here is their link where you'll learn about their services, prices and how to submit a sample.
Good-luck!
