Issue 16, September 23, 2013
Horsechestnut Leaf Blotch
Horsechestnut leaf blotch or Guignardia leaf blotch, can affect many different Aesculus species. In Illinois, this disease is commonly seen on common horsechestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum). Symptoms begin as rapidly enlarging, irregularly shaped, water-soaked areas. These will continue to enlarge and turn red-brown with a yellow halo that merges with the surrounding healthy green tissue. Small lesions will initially be limited by veins, but can enlarge, coalesce and lead to distortion and partial shriveling of leaflets. Tiny black fruiting bodies will appear on the lesions, which help to distinguish from environmental scorch. These black fruiting bodies produce spores which contribute to secondary infections. In more severe cases,premature defoliation can occur. Fortunately, severe symptoms do not develop until late in the season when annual growth has nearly finished, so tree health is not greatly impacted.
Common horsechestnut, severely affected by Guignardia leaf blotch.
The horsechestnut leaf blotch pathogen overwinters as fruiting bodiesin leaves infected during the previous season. In the springtime, fruiting structures will release spores into the air, some of which will land on developing Aesculus leaves. An extended period of leaf wetness following spore landing will initiate germination and infection. About 10-20 days after infection, infected leaves can produce new fruiting structures and initiate secondary infection cycles.
Red horsechestnut (Aesculus x carnea) with symptoms of Guignardia leaf blotch
Damage from this disease is mostly aesthetic. Disease management should focus on cultural practices. Damage will be most severe when canopies remain wet for an extended period of time. Properly spacing trees as well as pruning a tree to maintain an open, well aerated canopy is an easy first step to managing this disease. In addition to this, fallen leaves should be collected and disposed of at the end of the season to help reduce available inoculum for the following season. Fungicide sprays can also be applied beginning at bud-break. They will help maintain the appearance of the tree, but are unnecessary to maintain tree health. Additionally, chemical controls may be cost prohibitive, due to the size of affected trees. (Sean Mullahy & Travis Cleveland)
Authors:
Travis Cleveland
Sean Mullahy