Pests and diseases are common problems when growing flowers and ornamentals. They can cause both direct and indirect damage that can be costly. Use Penn State Extension’s extensive resources to find out more about managing flower pests and diseases, including Fletcher scale, leafhoppers, spotted lanternfly, webworms, mites, caterpillars, pillbugs, weevils, scales, borers, beetles, aphids, moths, blight, necrosis, root rot, and freeze damage.
The Alpine Storks Bill, known scientifically as Erodium reichardii, is a delightful flowering plant that thrives in rock gardens and alpine environments. However, like any plant it can fall victim to diseases that impact its health and appearance. This article will overview the most prevalent diseases affecting Alpine Storks Bill flowers providing tips on identification and effective treatment methods.
Powdery Mildew
Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that commonly impacts Alpine Storks Bill flowers.
Identification
- White powdery coating on leaves, stems, and flowers
- Distorted growth and yellowing of foliage
- Stunted plants
Treatment
- Improve air circulation around plants
- Remove and destroy infected plant parts
- Apply fungicides containing myclobutanil, propiconazole, or triforine
Botrytis Blight
Also called gray mold, this fungal infection can ruin Alpine Storks Bill blooms
Identification
- Gray fuzzy mold on flowers, leaves, stems
- Water-soaked lesions on plant parts
- Wilting or dying flowers
Treatment
- Remove and dispose of infected plant material
- Space plants properly to encourage airflow
- Apply fungicide sprays containing chlorothalonil or neem oil
Leaf Spot
Fungal or bacterial leaf spots can disfigure Alpine Storks Bill foliage.
Identification
- Small, dark spots on leaves
- Spots enlarge and merge over time
- Leaves yellow and drop prematurely
Treatment
- Prune and destroy infected leaves
- Use drip irrigation to keep foliage dry
- Apply copper-based fungicide sprays as a preventative
Root Rot
Excess moisture can cause root rot in Alpine Storks Bills.
Identification
- Wilting, yellowing leaves
- Stunted growth
- Brown, mushy roots
Treatment
- Improve drainage in overly wet soils
- Replant in well-draining soil mix
- Apply fungicide drench to control infection
Aphid Infestation
These tiny sap-sucking insects can swarm Alpine Storks Bill plants.
Identification
- Clusters of green, yellow, black soft-bodied insects on leaves and stems
- Curled, distorted leaves and stunted growth
- Sticky residue on foliage
Treatment
- Knock aphids off plant with strong water spray
- Apply insecticidal soap or neem oil sprays
- Release ladybugs and other beneficial insects to feed on aphids
With prompt identification and treatment, most Alpine Storks Bill diseases and pests can be successfully managed. Consistent monitoring, prevention, and organic treatments are key to protecting these delicate blooms. A bit of diligence will keep your Alpine Storks Bill flowers thriving for years of beauty and enjoyment.
Common Flower and Ornamental Diseases
Being able to accurately diagnose pests and diseases is crucial if you want to control them and get the best results from your flowers. Learn how to recognize and distinguish between symptoms and signs of stress, including damage and diseases, and you’ll be able to employ best management practices.
Use Penn State Extensions resources to help identify diseases that affect some of the most popular plants. Here are some examples:
- Roses: Blackspot, anthracnose, cankers, and downy mildew
- Pansies: Cercospora leaf spot, fusarium wilt, scab, and pythium root rot
- Echinacea: Alternaria leaf spot, aster yellows, foliar nematode, and white smut
- Narcissus: Basal rot, lesion nematode, scorch, stem and bulb nematodes
- Tulips: Fire, viruses, root rot, stem and bulb nematode
- Begonia: Bacterial leaf spot and blight, botrytis blight, foliar nematode, and powdery mildew
- Chrysanthemums: Ascochyta ray blight, bacterial blight, bacterial leaf spot, and chlorotic mottle
- Poinsettia: Ammonium toxicity, bacterial canker, bacterial stem rot, and botrytis stem canker
- Azalea and rhododendron: Botryosphaeria canker, botrytis blight, cylindrocladium blight, leaf, and flower gall
- Hostas: Anthracnose, petiole rot, bacterial soft rot, and hosta virus
- Boxwood: Decline, blight, leaf burn, and leaf spot
- Juniper: Cedar-apple rust, cercospora blight, twig blight, and Japanese apple rust
- Palms: Cold injury, fluoride injury, helminthosporium leaf spot, and leaf burn
Biocontrols and Pesticide Application in Floriculture
There are several ways to control pests and diseases. Traditionally, pesticides have been used to control pests in floriculture. We still use them today, not quite as much, but especially when pest populations have rapidly expanded or were detected late and need to be quickly brought under control. The four most common types of pesticides are synthetic, natural, organic, or chemical.
An increasing number of homeowners and green industry professionals are using Integrated Pest Management to manage pests. IPM is an ecosystem-based strategy that focuses on long-term prevention of pests or their damage employing a combination of techniques such as the use of resistant varieties, habitat manipulation, modification of cultural practices, and biological control.
Biological controls include beneficial insects such as ladybird beetles, green lacewings, and aphidoletes. Biopesticides are also used; these are pesticides that are derived from natural materials such as animals, plants, bacteria, fungi, and certain minerals.
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COMMON STORK’S BILL | Outdoor Idaho
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