Diseased lilac - Ask Extension
We have an ~30 year old lilac bush that started showing curled, limp leaves on one side, and has now progressed to the entire bush. We’re wondering...
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Diseased lilac #853129
Asked October 14, 2023, 6:28 PM EDT
We have an ~30 year old lilac bush that started showing curled, limp leaves on one side, and has now progressed to the entire bush. We’re wondering if it’s Verticillium wilt or if it’s something else (hoping it’s something bacterial that can be treated as we love this bush). There hasn’t been any treatments of any kind applied to it.
Ramsey County Minnesota
Expert Response
Your lilac might be suffering from bacterial blight but the distorted leafs, cupping and mottled coloring could be a sign of herbicide damage. Was weed killer used on the lawn, used on a windy day?
Bacterial blight
Sanitation is an important part of control so clean up as many dead leaves as you can. Adequate water is very important too and your shrub should be watered until the ground freezes.
http://plantclinic.cornell.edu/factsheets/lilacbacterialblight.pdf
The plant disease clinic can provide an answer.
https://pdc.umn.edu/
Bacterial blight
Sanitation is an important part of control so clean up as many dead leaves as you can. Adequate water is very important too and your shrub should be watered until the ground freezes.
http://plantclinic.cornell.edu/factsheets/lilacbacterialblight.pdf
The plant disease clinic can provide an answer.
https://pdc.umn.edu/
