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Aster yellows disease? #768208

Asked August 19, 2021, 6:23 PM EDT

I am wondering whether my Echinacea is infected with aster yellows disease. I am attaching photos. Thanks!

Frederick County Maryland

Expert Response

Additional photos of Echinacea with possible aster yellows
The Question Asker Replied August 19, 2021, 6:26 PM EDT

This type of symptom is produced by eriophyid mites that feed on the flower heads. They are very tiny (like specks of dust) so you will not see them easily, but their feeding causes this type of distortion. This is a very good article from Ohio State Extension with more information about the mites and the difference in symptoms compared to Aster Yellows. It does not look like your plants have Aster Yellows.  https://bygl.osu.edu/index.php/node/1845 

You can cut off and discard the flower heads that are showing the mite symptoms. The use of miticides is not recommended for this. 

Christa

Answered by the Home and Garden Information Center (HGIC), University of Maryland Extension. For timely gardening information and tips, subscribe to our Maryland Grows blog and quarterly newsletter. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Replied August 20, 2021, 10:17 AM EDT
Dear Christa,

Thank you so much for the info. I will cut off and dispose of the flower heads that are affected. 

Very reassuring to know that it’s not aster yellows!

Gratefully,
Margaret

On Aug 20, 2021, at 10:17 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:


The Question Asker Replied August 20, 2021, 1:10 PM EDT

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