Devastating Fungal Disease Found in Michigan

The fungal disease, Boxwood blight has been detected in Michigan according to the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.

Defoliation of Boxwood caused by Calonectria pseudonaviculata.
Picture showing defoliation of Boxwood caused by Calonectria pseudonaviculata. Image taken by Joan Allen, UConn (UCONN CAHNR , 2016)

The fungal disease, Boxwood blight has been detected in Michigan according to the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.  Responsible for causing over $3 million in damages during the first year of detection in Connecticut, the importance of this pathogen cannot be overstated. Boxwood (Buxus sp.) is one of the more popular woody plants in landscapes and accounts for a significant portion of nursery sales within the state. One of the reasons this disease-causing fungus is able to spread undetected is that is can lie dormant in transported nursery stock and in Christmas wreaths containing boxwood sprigs. 

Boxwood blight is caused by the fungus, Calonectria pseudonaviculata, in the phylum Ascomycota. This fungus spreads via spores which are spread a short range by wind and rain. The primary means of long-distance fungal spread is related to human activity such as the transportation of plant material. If a boxwood plant in the landscape is showing signs of this disease, it should be removed to prevent further spread of this pathogen. 

Sources:

  1. UCONN CAHNR (2016). Boxwood Blight. Retrieved from University of Connecticut PSLA & Extension.
  2. Raven, B. (2018, Dec 11). ‘Serious fungal disease’discovered in Michigan for first time. Retrieved from MLIVE.

 

Did you find this article useful?

You Might Also Be Interested In

Tag List
  • bonito lab mycology news,
  • bonito lab
Michigan State University
  • Spartans Will.
  • © Michigan State University

MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer, committed to achieving excellence through a diverse workforce and inclusive culture that encourages all people to reach their full potential.

Michigan State University Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status or veteran status. Issued in furtherance of MSU Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Quentin Tyler, Director, MSU Extension, East Lansing, MI 48824. This information is for educational purposes only. Reference to commercial products or trade names does not imply endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not mentioned.

The 4-H Name and Emblem have special protections from Congress, protected by code 18 USC 707.

We comply with the Federal Trade Commission 1998 Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA).