Unfortunately, fungal diseases occur relatively frequently in some cherry laurel species. What is particularly feared by gardeners is shotgun blast, which can cause so much damage to the plant that it dies. But powdery mildew and downy mildew can also severely affect the laurel cherry.
Which fungal diseases can affect cherry laurel and what helps against it?
Cherry laurel can be affected by fungal diseases such as gunshot, powdery mildew and downy mildew. Symptoms include holey, discolored or mealy leaves. In the event of an infestation, diseased plant parts should be removed and disposed of, and natural sprays or suitable fungicides should be used.
Holes in the leaves indicate shotgun blast
The cause of shotgun disease is the fungus Stigmina carpophilum, which is very resistant. It survives even at low temperatures in the fallen plant parts as well as the shoot tips and infected leaves of the cherry laurel. Even the heat generated during composting does not kill the fungus. For this reason, you should dispose of infected plant parts with household waste, as you would unintentionally spread the fungal spores throughout the garden when applying the fertilizer.
The harmful image
Initially the shot is manifested by light spots on the top of the leaf. As a result, the areas turn brownish, the leaf structure changes and becomes thin and brittle. The plant defends itself against the fungus and rejects the necrotic tissue. The foliage becomes holey and looks like it has been shot at with a shotgun.
Branch drought and tip drought
If the cherry laurel is infected by the fungus Monili laxa, the edges of the leaves initially turn yellow, hang limply and finally fall off. If you look closely, you can see a fine mushroom lawn on the leaves.
Powdery and downy mildew
If the laurel cherry suffers from powdery mildew, you can tell by the white coating on the top of the leaves. The plant looks as if it had been dusted with flour.
Downy mildew, on the other hand, settles on the underside of the leaves and is visible as a fine, grayish fungal down.
Measures in case of fungal infestation
Regardless of which fungus has infected the cherry laurel, you should cut back the diseased parts of the plant deep into the he althy wood. Dispose of the cuttings in household waste so that no other plants can be infected.
Sprays with milk or vinegar have a natural effect against mildew and fungi. However, these environmentally friendly measures require some consistency, as the funds have to be applied several times.
If a large part of the leaves and shoots of the laurel cherry are infected, often only chemical pesticides can help. Since fungi also develop initial resistance, it is important to use a suitable fungicide and possibly to spray the plant alternately with several active ingredients.
Tips & Tricks
The same applies to fungal diseases on cherry laurel: prevention is better than cure. In addition to the right location and a loose structure of the bushes through regular pruning, you can strengthen the plants with natural products such as nettle manure.
