 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
       |
Ink Spot - Ciborinia whetzelii
 USFS, Missoula Montana
 HOSTS: Aspen, cottonwood and other poplars. DESCRIPTION: One to
four ink spot-like spots on crown leaves in early summer; by late
summer the spots (sclerotia) drop out of the leaves causing a shothole
appearance. LIFE CYCLE: Ink spot
fungi overwinter in forest litter. In spring sclerotia produce stalked,
cup-like fruiting bodies (apothecia). Spores are dispersed by wind and
rain to infect leaf surfaces. After 2-3 weeks, reddish brown blotches
become visible and expand until the leaf is entirely dead. Several
weeks later, one to four dark mycelial masses appear (inkspots). These
sclerotia will remain on the leaf until late summer then drop to the
ground where they will overwinter. CONTROLS:Cultural: Rake up and destroy infected leaves in the fall. Chemical: Lime sulfur as buds start to break in the spring. Use oil-free lime sulfur to avoid bud injury. Sulfur when the weather is wet and warm (see life cycle). Must be reapplied when precipitation (or irrigation) is >1 inch since the last application. |
|
|
|
 |
|