Problem with common sunflowers and Giant Mexican Sunflowers

13 years ago

I'm having similar leaf problems with both common sunflowers and Giant Mexican Sunflowers. Leaves are turning yellow in patches, then those same areas become brown and shriveled.

Any idea what could be causing this?

Helianthus annuus - Problem became noticable about three weeks ago and has since progressed.

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Tithonia diversifolia - Problem became noticable about two weeks ago and has rapidly progressed.

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Thanks for any help!

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Comments (2)

oilpainter
13 years ago
You have some form of fungal disease--It may be blight.

I do know that the first line of defense is to remove all the infected leaves. You then need a fungicide and I can't advise you there either. When watering try not to get the leaves wet.

Most leaf diseases spread the same way. Water splashes on the infected leaf, which splashes on to an uninfected leaf. The water carries the spores of the disease to the new leaf and it becomes infected. Eventually the whole plant dies. In addition some diseases live in the soil.

In that case you have to solarize the soil by putting black plastic on it and let the sun kill it.

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but maybe you can get rid of it if you are vigilant
reemy
Original Author
13 years ago
Thanks for the info. Even if it's bad news, I'm happy to get the input.

I'll remove the affected leaves today (though the plants may not survive, as the disease seems present on most leaves) and look into the other treatment options.
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Problem with common sunflowers and Giant Mexican Sunflowers

Comments (2)

oilpainter

reemy
Original Author

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Problem with common sunflowers and Giant Mexican Sunflowers

Comments (2)

oilpainter

reemyOriginal Author

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reemy
Original Author