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Recently a number of the shade
trees throughout our City have been hit with a fungus commonly called
“Powdery Mildew” (Anthracnose). It looks like white chalk on the leaves
of various shade trees, and may cause the tree to lose its foliage.
This occurs sometimes after unusually
cool, wet weather during bud break. Single attacks are seldom harmful to
the tree, and it is very uncommon for mature trees to be destroyed by
“Powdery Mildew”. However, repeat infections could open a host of other
diseases.
“Powdery Mildew” is an
airborne fungus, which is primarily spread through wind currents.
Fungicides can be used; however sprays must be applied on a preventable
basis, beginning before the infection takes place. Spraying large trees
is impractical and can be unnecessary, especially in dry springs.
It is important to pick up any leaves
that fall to the ground and discard them, in order to stop further
infection as the disease can remain and be spread via the ground.
For further information
on “Powdery Mildew” and other tree diseases, check out this web site:
www.ext.vt.edu/pubs/plantdiseasefs/450-604/450-604.html
City of Revelstoke
Parks Foreman
Darren Komonoski
837-2001
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