Skip Laurel Damage - Ask Extension
Can you please identify what is causing holes in the leaves of our 5 Skip Laurels (Prunus laurocerasus 'schipkaensis')? They were planted in March of ...
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Skip Laurel Damage #624834
Asked April 17, 2020, 11:32 AM EDT
Can you please identify what is causing holes in the leaves of our 5 Skip Laurels (Prunus laurocerasus 'schipkaensis')? They were planted in March of 2017 and have not thrived. After one year we took a specimen to the landscape center from which we bought them, and were told it was insect damage. We have treated several times with Seven, to no avail. Could this be Shot Hole disease? If so, how should we treat it? We live in Lewes and our soil type is clay. Thank you in advance.
Sue Obusek
Sussex County Delaware
Expert Response
Hi! Thank you for your question. This looks like shot hole disease.
Shot-hole disease is a combination bacterial infection (Xanthomonas prunii) and fungal diseases (Blumeriella gaapi and/or Cercospora sp.) Any fungicides that you would apply will only prevent the fungus. Sanitation is the key to prevention. If you can reduce any irrigation that sprays the plants that would promote disease development would also help. See the fact sheet provided for more information. https://ugaurbanag.com/shot-hole-disease/
Good luck,
Tracy
Shot-hole disease is a combination bacterial infection (Xanthomonas prunii) and fungal diseases (Blumeriella gaapi and/or Cercospora sp.) Any fungicides that you would apply will only prevent the fungus. Sanitation is the key to prevention. If you can reduce any irrigation that sprays the plants that would promote disease development would also help. See the fact sheet provided for more information. https://ugaurbanag.com/shot-hole-disease/
Good luck,
Tracy
