Question From: M. Deering - Mabank, Texas, United States
Q: Hi Nancy, My magnolia tree is developing brown spots. The pictures I have shared are old, but the disease has spread to 50% of the tree. New leaves are getting brown and dying in 2 - 3 days. Last 4 months since it was planted, the tree did not grow any, but shed a lot of leaves. upon reading on the internet, I found this article-- But there is no treatment described. Can you please suggest some thing? Anthracnose (Colletotrichum gloeosporioides Penz) causes large circular spots towards the margins of magnolia leaves (Figure 3) and can lead to premature leaf drop (Hagan 2001). Disease symptoms include a burned appearance or angular spots that are surrounded by a yellow halo (Hagan 2001). The upper surface of the spot develops black, blister-like fruiting bodies (acervuli). As the disease progresses, a pink mass of spores will ooze from the fruiting bodies. Splashing water spreads the spores to new leaves. Warm, humid and wet conditions favor disease development. The fungal organism can overwinter in dead leaves and branches. The disease is most commonly reported on southern magnolia
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A: Mark, If it were my tree I would have an onsite inspection by a certified arborist.You may have waited too long. To find one in your area go to TCIA.org and enter your zip code. Professionals have products and tool unavailable to homeowners and members of the Tree Care Industry Assoc. are on top of new developments in diseases and how to treat them. Best Nancy
