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Yellow leaf spot on privet #823712

Asked March 28, 2023, 12:07 PM EDT

What is the best way to treat this fungal disease in SW Portland area? - does not have to be organic, I will use chemicals if needed. This privet hedge is 20 yrs. old and never a problem until this year I see spots. It is trimmed regularly. Dropped leaves are removed regularly. It might have come from 3 new plants put in this fall. I have a 2nd hedge 40 feet away and it is fine (more sun and air circulation).

Multnomah County Oregon

Expert Response

Hi, 

There are various possible causes of spots on privet. So we can best assist you please share photos showing the issue up close, and also the whole hedge and its surroundings. You can attach them in a reply. 
I hope these resources help you decide what steps to take next. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to reach out. Thanks for contacting OSU Extension Service. Replied March 28, 2023, 12:43 PM EDT

Here are 2 photos; hope they help. 

The Question Asker Replied March 28, 2023, 5:55 PM EDT
Your plants have a lot of tan leaf spots scattered across the leaves. Looks a lot like chemical spray damage but your description leads us away from that diagnosis. There are several fugal leaf spots of privet that you can read about at the links below. The control tactics are basically the same. Sanitation of dropped leaves which you are doing. There are some chemicals in home packaging that will be useful as the new growth begins to come out. These will not make spots go away but keep them from forming on the new leaves.

https://pnwhandbooks.org/plantdisease/host-disease/privet-ligustrum-spp-anthracnose

and
https://pnwhandbooks.org/plantdisease/host-disease/privet-ligustrum-spp-leaf-spot
Jay W. Pscheidt, PhD, Professor Replied March 29, 2023, 10:24 AM EDT
Thank you for the prompt reply. I will try one of the sprays recommended and see how it goes. 

Sent from my iPad

On Mar 29, 2023, at 7:24 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:


The Question Asker Replied March 29, 2023, 10:50 AM EDT

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