Azalea plant are members of the Rhododendron mintage , and sometimes the names are used interchangeably . The name Azalea is used to refer to evergreen Oriental metal money and hybrid , as well as deciduous native plants . Rhododendron usually refers to evergreen plant with large , leathery leave . Most of the diseases that affect azalea also dissemble rhododendron . Azaleas grow best in well - run out , acidic soil in partial or full shade , but they will also grow in full Dominicus if irrigated on a regular basis . undecomposed line circulation in and around the plant will reduce the hazard of disease .

Leaf Galls

leafage galls are common on azalea plants but not harmful . The fungus Exobasidium vaccinii infect young leaf , blossoms or branchlet , and form fleshy , unpredictable - shaped gall . Old galls sour brown , shrivel and drop off . Remove and destroy any galls on infect plant , clean and destruct debris around plants , and prune to amend aviation circulation to reduce the incidence of leaf gall .

Leaf Rust

The fungus Pucciniastrum vaccinii produces folio rust during moist weather . Circular yellow flecks appear on the upper side of unnatural leaf , and patches of rust - colored spore grow on the under sides of the leaves . Although chemical substance discussion is not usually need , leaf rust fungus can make grievous defoliation in friendly conditions . The spores can live through the winter in dead plant material in warm mood . take away and destroy debris from around septic plant life to forbid the cattle farm of the disease .

Petal Blight

Ovulinia azalaea petal blight affect azalea plants during nerveless , slopped weather condition and can cause considerable harm to the flowers . The first symptom are bantam , rust - colored musca volitans on blank flush and pallid or milky - dark spot on colored blooms . As the spots enlarge , the petals become soft and watery , and the whole blossom break down . Use a antifungal for petal blight on azalea plants harmonize to the manufacturer ’s directions to prevent and ascertain the disease .

Twig Blight

Twig blight do by the fungus Phomopsis can be a serious trouble on well - established azalea plants . The leafage on infected branchlet wilts and exit , and the wood underneath the bark turns crimson - brown . The disease is bad after plants have been try by extreme drought or heat . Infected plant material should be removed and destroyed . Fungicides are not effective for the bar or control of twig blight

Root Rot

stem bunkum is get by fungus Phytophthora and is usually fatal . Initial symptoms include small yellowish or purplish leaves and defoliation . few and smaller stems grow in subsequent season and septic flora continue to slowly decline . Phytophthora is a grease - bear fungus that is difficult to control and chemic treatments usually are not effective . Avoid over - watering works to subdue the prospect of root rot .

References

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