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Problem with edgeworthia #792007

Asked May 22, 2022, 12:04 AM EDT

Hi Some of the leaves of my edgeworthia plant are pale and mottled or discolored. Perhaps 10-20% of the overall plant, in the area facing west. The plant has been in its current location three years and has fared well overall. There are no known changes to watering and sunlight. No pesticides are in use at all and an organic fertilizer was used on plants about ten feet away at the closest. I have attached a photo to capture the discoloration and mottling. Any ideas?

Multnomah County Oregon

Expert Response

Thank you for your question.  Although OSU does not list this plant or its diseases, it is related to the daphne, which has several viruses which cause this coloration:  https://pnwhandbooks.org/plantdisease/host-disease/daphne-viruses
The leaves contortions are consistent with a mosaic virus.  Although searching for aphids and controlling them is an option, removal and destruction of the plant is recommended at this advanced stage.  Good luck!
An Ask Extension Expert Replied May 23, 2022, 1:20 PM EDT

Thanks for getting back to me. I am so saddened to hear that the recommended so,union is removal and destruction of the l,ant. It is an otherwise healthy seven year old edgeworthia. 

Will the mosaic virus spread to other plants?


is it possible that if I remove the limbs on which the troubled leaves appear that I can save the rest of the bush?

The Question Asker Replied May 23, 2022, 2:03 PM EDT
As the PNW article indicates, there are several viruses, and, since we don't have an identification of the one your plant appears to have, we can't tell what other plants may be susceptible.  Since viruses are spread by vectors, in this case, aphids, control of that pest can reduce the risk.  The only advice given is to destroy the plant.  Once it is some plant tissue, it is throughout the plant.  If you want a more reliable diagnosis, you can submit plant tissue to the OSU Plant Diagnostic Clinic: https://bpp.oregonstate.edu/plant-clinic 
An Ask Extension Expert Replied May 23, 2022, 2:19 PM EDT

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