1. Diseases of Azaleas and Rhododendrons “Plant disease is the rule, rather than the exception.” page # 79

2. AZALEA LEAF AND FLOWER GALL Clue: look for fleshy growths FUNGUS: EXOBASIDIUM VACCINII (also on Camellia, blueberry, leucothoe and rhododendron) Treatment: pick them off! Fungicide may be needed. fungicide may be needed

3. Lace Bug Hemiptera: Tingidae (Hemiptera: Top of leaf has spotty appearance, similar to mite damage Clue: look under leaf...

4. Lace Bug evidence under the leaf Lace bug inhabits the underside of the leaf Look for sucking spots, droppings, cast skins, and live flies (mites don’t leave droppings)

5. Lace Bug! 1/8”, netlike pattern and dots on wings Cultural Control: Spray underside of leaves in May (may need to repeat in August - two generations per summer) Check Virginia Pest Management Guide for specifics

6. Phythphthora fungus AKA: Black root rot wilting appears to be lack of water BUT... don’t be tricked

7. Clue: The root is really black! black!

8. Stems may also appear black Treatment: Replace with disease resistant cultivar, plant in new location that is “high and dry” Soil drenching with fungicide at 4-week intervals D near where tthe root