Last updated on March 9th, 2021
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Pyracantha does get some diseases that can badly affect the plant if not treated at the first signs of the disease, the two most common diseases associated with Pyracantha are Fireblight and Pyracantha Scab.
Pyracantha Scab
Pyracantha Scab is not a serious as Fireblight which we talk about next but is very unsightly, it affects the blossoms, berries start to turn black and appear scabby, it also causes the Pyracantha to drop leaves and loss of flowers and the berries become miss figured. Pyracantha is a fungal disease that is spread when fungal spores are spread to the plant by the wind, rain and by bugs and birds.
As with most fungal diseases prevention is better than cure, remove and effected branches that you prune off and clear all fallen leaves from around the plants and burn them in an incinerator. Some Pyracantha varieties such as The Saphyr® range and ‘Golden Charmer’, ‘Orange Charmer’ ‘Shawnee’ and ‘Teton’ are all claimed to show some resistance to pyracantha scab.
Chemical control of Pyracantha Scab
Westland Plant Rescue Fungus Control is the only fungicide which is labelled to control Pyracantha Scab all though products containing the chemical myclobutanil such as Bayer Garden Systhane Fungus Fighter and the chemical triticonazole such as Scotts Fungus Clear Ultra have been approved for use on ornamental plants for control of rusts and powdery mildews. They would probably also give useful control of pyracantha scab, although this is not claimed by the manufacturers. The chemical Myclobutanil as found in Bayer Garden Systhane Fungus Fighter which is available RTU or as a concentrate is approved for use by gardeners to control apple scab so should be effective on Pyracantha scab.
- Controls all major leaf diseases of roses and ornamental plants
- Controls blackspot, powdery mildew, rust and box blight
- An effective active ingredients give contact and systemic action
- Protects for up to 3 weeks
- Use on houseplants and ornamental garden plants
- LEAF DISEASES: Controls all major leaf diseases of roses and ornamental plants, such as blackspot, powdery mildew, white rust, leaf spot, and box blight
- EFFECTIVE FORMULA: Fast acting contact and systemic formula ensures it gets working quickly, whilst protecting for up to 3 weeks
- SUITABLE FOR: Suitable for use on houseplants, ornamental garden plants, and select edibles
- EASY TO USE: Convenient, ready to use spray with twist and lock function for quick application
- HOW TO USE: Use at the first sign of infection for best results
Fireblight on Pyracantha
Fireblight is a systemic disease that is spread by aphids, bugs, birds and even the wind and rain so is easily spread and can quickly spread from plant to plant and is also commonly associated with apple and pears because it affects plants in the Rosaceae family.
The disease normally affects open blossoms, new growth and leaves in the spring. The disease is easy to spot and effected leaves start to turn black and cracked as if it has been burnt by fire giving it its name Fireblight.
Treating Fireblight on Pyracantha
Spray plants with antibiotics streptomycin or terramycin to help prevent new infections to plants. Certain biological controls consisting of beneficial bacteria can also prevent fireblight from infecting new trees.
The only effective treatment for plants already infected is to prune off the affected branches and remove them from the area. Plants or trees should be inspected routinely for appearance or new infections. The rest of the plant can be saved if the blighted wood is removed before the infection spreads to the roots.
To help prevent Fireblight there are varieties of Pyrcantha that are more resistant to Fireblight.
Other articles you may be interested in:
Pruning and training Pyracantha
How to plant a Pyracantha Hegde
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5 Comments
I have a pyracantha bush with a white crystallize fungus on bark and branches. is there a cure for this problem.
Pyracantha can suffer from mildew which is a white fungus that effects the leaves and branches. I would not usually discribe it as crystallize though. It it is mildew you can spray with a fungicide.
Pyracantha can suffer from mildew which is usually a white or grey mold. This can be treated with a fungicide. Remove as much of the effected areas first to help prevent it spreading
Thanks for your help.
The leaves on my pyracantha I’ll go in a pinky colour then dropping off any suggestions please