Plant Pathology

Shouan Zhang, Geoffrey Meru, Kenneth L. Pernezny, andAaron J. Palmateer

Summarizes specific common diseases affecting eggplant production in Florida, with symptoms and cultural controls.

Pamela D. Roberts

A UF/IFAS numbered Management for Commercial audience(s).

Megan M. Dewdney
Other Contacts: Jamie D. Burrow

A table of products recommended in the Florida Citrus Production Guide and their effects on foliar fungal diseases & information on fungicide resistance management.

Megan M. Dewdney

2026–2027 Florida Citrus Production Guide (Current Season Spray Guide).

Megan M. Dewdney

2026–2027 Florida Citrus Production Guide (Current Season Spray Guide).

Lauren M. Diepenbrock, Megan M. Dewdney, andTripti Vashisth

2026–2027 Florida Citrus Production Guide (Current Season Spray Guide).

Megan M. Dewdney, Callie Walker, Pamela D. Roberts, andNatalia A. Peres

2026–2027 Florida Citrus Production Guide (Current Season Spray Guide).

Megan M. Dewdney

2026–2027 Florida Citrus Production Guide (Current Season Spray Guide).

Megan M. Dewdney

2026–2027 Florida Citrus Production Guide (Current Season Spray Guide).

Megan M. Dewdney

2026–2027 Florida Citrus Production Guide (Current Season Spray Guide).

Megan M. Dewdney

2026–2027 Florida Citrus Production Guide (Current Season Spray Guide).

Megan M. Dewdney

2026–2027 Florida Citrus Production Guide.

Megan M. Dewdney

2026–2027 Florida Citrus Production Guide (Current Season Spray Guide).

Natalia A. Peres andMegan M. Dewdney

2026–2027 Florida Citrus Production Guide (Current Season Spray Guide).

Megan M. Dewdney

2026–2029 Florida Citrus Production Guide (Citrus Production Fundamentals).

Ozgur Batuman, Amit Levy, andR. H. Brlansky
Other Contacts: Megan M. Dewdney

2026–2029 Florida Citrus Production Guide (Citrus Production Fundamentals).

Megan M. Dewdney

2026–2029 Florida Citrus Production Guide (Citrus Production Fundamentals).

Megan M. Dewdney, Callie Walker, Pamela D. Roberts, andNatalia A. Peres

2026–2029 Florida Citrus Production Guide (Citrus Production Fundamentals).

Megan M. Dewdney

2026–2029 Florida Citrus Production Guide (Citrus Production Fundamentals).

Megan M. Dewdney

2026–2029 Florida Citrus Production Guide (Citrus Production Fundamentals).

Amit Levy, Ozgur Batuman, andR. H. Brlansky
Other Contacts: Megan M. Dewdney

2026–2029 Florida Citrus Production Guide (Citrus Production Fundamentals).

Megan M. Dewdney

2026–2029 Florida Citrus Production Guide (Citrus Production Fundamentals).

Megan M. Dewdney, Tripti Vashisth, andLauren M. Diepenbrock

2026–2029 Florida Citrus Production Guide (Citrus Production Fundamentals).

Lauren M. Diepenbrock, Megan M. Dewdney, andTripti Vashisth

2026–2029 Florida Citrus Production Guide (Citrus Production Fundamentals).

Megan M. Dewdney

2026–2029 Florida Citrus Production Guide (Citrus Production Fundamentals).

Megan M. Dewdney

2026–2029 Florida Citrus Production Guide (Citrus Production Fundamentals).

Natalia A. Peres andMegan M. Dewdney

2026–2029 Florida Citrus Production Guide (Citrus Production Fundamentals).

Ozgur Batuman, Amit Levy, andWilliam O. Dawson
Other Contacts: Megan M. Dewdney

2026–2029 Florida Citrus Production Guide (Citrus Production Fundamentals).

Elena Karlsen-Ayala, Romina Gazis, and Matthew E. Smith

Mushrooms growing in potting soil are a common problem reported in nursery production and in potted plants in the indoor and outdoor home landscape. Many of these fungi are saprotrophic and feed on the organic matter contained in the potting soil itself and/or in the mulch, which varies in composition but often contains tree bark, wood chips, pine straw, moss, or leaves. These fungi are not necessarily harmful to the plants, but fungal fruiting bodies can make plants unmarketable. Unknown fungi can also be concerning to retailers and homeowners because of potential toxicity to pets and children. The purpose of this publication is to provide homeowners and retail nursery growers with an overview of some of the most common mushroom-forming fungi found in potted plants and potting soils in Florida. We also provide cultural control recommendations to help prevent or reduce mushroom growth.

Zelalem Mersha, Shouan Zhang, andJerry A. Bartz

Douglas A. Phillips, Norma C. Flor, andPhilip F. Harmon

Natalia A. Peres andLeandro G. Cordova

Angular Leaf Spot (ALS) is a bacterial disease caused by Xanthomonas fragariae Kennedy & King, a pathogen highly specific to wild and cultivated strawberry, Fragaria x ananassa Duchesne (Legard et al. 2003). ALS is an important disease on winter strawberry production worldwide. In the U.S., it ranks 6th in economic importance after gray mold (Botrytis cinerea L.), verticillium wilt (Verticillium alboatrum Reinke & Berth), powdery mildew (Sphaerotheca macularis L.), anthracnose (Colletotrichum spp.), and pythium root rot (Pythium spp.) (Sorensen et al. 1997). The rapid spread of ALS is influenced by the increasing rate of interchange of plant material.

Monica L. Elliott andPhilip F. Harmon

A UF/IFAS numbered Management.

J. C. Mertely, Bruna B. Forcelini, andNatalia A. Peres

Anthracnose fruit rot, caused by the fungus Colletotrichum acutatum, is an important disease for strawberry production worldwide. Other species of Colletotrichum, such as C. fragarie and C. gloeosporioides, are less frequently involved in fruit rot. Although fruit rot is the most important symptom caused by C. acutatum, the fungus can also attack other parts of the plant including the crown, leaves, petioles, and roots.

Douglas A. Phillips, Maria C. Velez-Climent, Philip F. Harmon, andPatricio R. Munoz

David J. Norman andGul Shad Ali

Romina Gazis, Vanessa Campoverde and Aaron Palmateer

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet for Commercial audience(s). Published by Integrated Pest Management

Kiersten Fullem, Mathews L. Paret, and Jeffrey B. Jones

This publication is intended to provide information on the disease bacterial leaf spot of cucurbits, its epidemiology, and management to cucurbit growers in the southeastern United States. Written by Kiersten Fullem, Mathews L. Paret, and Jeffrey B. Jones, and published by the UF/IFAS Plant Pathology Department, March 2024.

Shouan Zhang, Geoffrey Meru, and Ken Pernezny

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet.

Camille McAvoy, Pamela D. Roberts, andJeffrey B. Jones

Pepper fruits in the genus Capsicum are produced worldwide as a fresh vegetable, dried for spices, or used in commercial products such as dietary supplements or natural coloring in cosmetic products. A limiting disease problem on all peppers is bacterial spot caused by three species of Xanthomonas (X. euvesicatoria, X. perforans, and X. gardneri). Bacterial spot causes severe defoliation, resulting in reduced plant vigor, exposure of fruit to sunburn, and reduced yield. Infected fruit are unmarketable due to lesions on fruit surface. Total yield losses in severely affected crops can occur.

Philip F. Harmon, Carrie Harmon, and Dave Norman

Holly Andres, Hui-Ling Liao, andKaile Zhang

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, as symbionts to host plants, play a pivotal role in regulating plant nutrient uptake and maintaining soil health. As approximately 80%-90% of terrestrial plants are colonized by mycorrhizal fungi, this fungal group significantly contributes to the overall yield and functions in crop production. This publication provides updated general knowledge on the biology and ecological functions of the most common types of mycorrhizal fungi. These fungi are highly sensitive to environmental stressors and management practices, such as the application of phosphorus and nitrogen fertilizers, as well as fungicides. An enhanced understanding of mycorrhizal fungi can raise awareness among growers, prompting them to consider mycorrhizal fungal activities when managing their farms. Moreover, it can improve the general public's knowledge of the role mycorrhizal fungi play in natural terrestrial ecosystems, including agricultural and forest ecosystems.

Holly Andres, Kaile Zhang, andHui-Ling Liao

Ectomycorrhizal fungi (EMF) form symbiotic relationships with approximately 60% of trees and woody plants among temperate and boreal forests. EMF also serve as the primary symbionts in subtropical and tropical forests, particularly in conifer forests, including those in Florida's climate. These fungi influence the global carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus cycles, sequestering or supplying these elements as necessary for ecosystem processes and resilience. However, EMF are susceptible to environmental stressors and management practices, including fertilizers, fungicides, and mechanical disturbances. This publication aims to provide general knowledge to the general public on the biology and ecological functions of EMF in natural and managed forest ecosystems. By understanding the role and benefits of EMF in these environments, forest managers, tree nursery operators, and timber industry stakeholders can gain valuable insights for incorporating EMF into their management practices.

Nattapol Kraisitudomsook andMatthew E. Smith

The "bird's nest" fungi (Nidulariaceae) are charismatic mushrooms that look like small nests containing multiple tiny eggs. Because the ecological role of bird's nest fungi is to decompose wood, they are extremely common in disturbed areas with plant debris and mulch, such as trails and backyard gardens. These fungi tend to grow in large clusters, so it is common to see ten to a hundred of these "nests" at once. Bird's nest fungi are not considered dangerous to plants, animals, or humans.

Jozer Mangandi andNatalia A. Peres

The article describes this fungal disease that that affects nearly all rose cultivars worldwide — causal agent and geographic distribution, symptoms, and control.

André B. Gama, Douglas A. Phillips, Vinícius A. Cerbaro, Philip F. Harmon, Clyde Fraisse, andNatalia A. Peres

The weather conditions favoring Blueberry anthracnose fruit rot disease incidence and development can be difficult to predict, and it can significantly impact yield under conducive weather patterns. For that reason, the authors of this new 6-page publication of the UF/IFAS Plant Pathology Department developed and validated a web-based disease alert system for blueberry AFR, the Blueberry Advisory System (BAS), to help blueberry growers in Florida identify weather conditions favorable for the disease and improve disease management. Written by André B. Gama, Douglas A. Phillips, Vinícius A. Cerbaro, Phillip F. Harmon, Clyde W. Fraisse, and Natalia A. Peres.

Norma C. Flor, Douglas A. Phillips, andPhilip F. Harmon

Stem blight is the most common disease that kills our blueberry bushes in Florida. In most cases, stem blight finishes the job, but other stresses play a lead or contributory role. When stem blight starts showing up in a production field, first check for all of the above discussed stressors, diseases, and pests. Once identified, developing an integrated and comprehensive disease management plan will help you stay one step ahead of stem blight.

Philip F. Harmon

[ABSTRACT]

J. C. Mertely, Michelle S. Oliveira, andNatalia A. Peres

Botrytis fruit rot (BFR), also known as gray mold, is caused by the fungus Botrytis cinerea and is one of the most important diseases of strawberry in Florida and worldwide. This 4-page document describes the symptoms and management of BFR among strawberry plants.

Monica L. Elliott
Other Contacts: Braham Dhillon

Jiaming Yu andMonica L. Elliott
Other Contacts: Braham Dhillon

Monica L. Elliott andPhilip F. Harmon

[ABSTRACT]

Jozer Mangandi and Natalia A. Peres

Natalia A. Peres, Juliana Baggio, andJ. C. Mertely

Charcoal rot is caused by Macrophomina phaseolina and has become more prevalent in Florida strawberry fields since methyl bromide was phased out. This 4-page publication describes the symptoms, development, and control of charcoal rot in strawberry fields.

Brianna Benitez, Claudia A. Paez, Matthew E. Smith, andJason A. Smith

Members of the Laetiporus sulphureus (Bull.) Murrill species complex, also known as "chicken of the woods," are wood-decay fungi that are widely distributed in North America. All of the species of the "chicken of the woods" group cause brown rot in a variety of tree host species, and this brown rot can cause wood to lose its structural integrity and turn powdery. Fruiting bodies in this group can be recognized by their bright yellow-orange colors and their soft, suede-like texture.

A. Levy, J. D. Burrow, and M. M. Dewdney

This publication is intended to guide citrus growers in distinguishing the difference between citrus canker and citrus leprosis. 

Ozgur Batuman, Amit Levy, Peggy Sieburth, Ajia M. Paolillo, K.-R. Chung, andR. H. Brlansky

This document is one in a series designed to provide important information on the causal agent, symptoms, and transmission of exotic citrus diseases. Disseminating the information about the diseases to the citrus industry may prevent their introduction and spread in Florida. This document will focus on the exotic viral disease citrus leprosis.

Natalia A. Peres, Michelle S. Oliveira, andSteven J. MacKenzie

Describes this serious disease of strawberries in warm production region, its causal agent and symptoms, disease development and spread, and control. Includes a table of products labeled for control of colletotrichum crown rot.

Shouan Zhang, Geoffrey Meru, Aaron J. Palmateer, Ken Pernezny, and Jeffrey B. Jones

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet.

Michelle S. Oliveira andNatalia A. Peres

This publication describes symptoms of most common strawberry diseases in Florida and summarizes the efficacy of fungicides labeled for management of such diseases.

David J. Norman

This article provides guidelines to identify and treat diseases that may be encountered during the commercial production of Dieffenbachia. This document is PP286, one of a series of the Plant Pathology Department, UF/IFAS Extension. Original publication date October 2011.

Shouan Zhang, Mathews Paret, Ken Pernezny, and Pamela Roberts

Successful disease management has always been vital in Florida tomato production, given the generally ideal environmental conditions for most plant diseases. An integrated disease management program is a successful approach.

Shouan Zhang, Nicholas Dufault, Mathews Paret, Pamela Roberts, Guodong Liu, and Qingren Wang

This publication suggests a sequential disease control program for snap beans in Florida. Postharvest disease problems are addressed only to the extent that they are affected by field practices. The application of the following sequential control program should minimize yield losses for the majority of plantings.

Shouan Zhang, Nicholas Dufault, Qingren Wang, Guodong Liu, and Gene McAvoy

Katia V. Xavier, Achala N. KC, andGary Vallad

Pomegranate production is becoming increasingly popular in the Southeast. Florida’s humid subtropical to tropical climate is favorable for not only pomegranate tree establishment, but also several diseases. This publication describes the various diseases affecting pomegranate in Florida and provides some management recommendations.

Shouan Zhang, Pamela D. Roberts, andRichard N. Raid

Megan M. Dewdney, Jamie D. Burrow, Michael E. Rogers, and Timothy M. Spann

A UF/IFAS numbered Translation.

David J. Norman andGul Shad Ali

A UF/IFAS numbered Management for Commercial audience(s). Published by Integrated Pest Management

Monica L. Elliott andPhilip F. Harmon

Kevin Korus, Wael Elwakil, Nicholas Dufault, and Zachary Eldred

Industrial hemp is Cannabis sativa that contains < 0.3% THC and can be legally grown with permits in Florida. The plant may be grown for flower, grain, or fiber production. Other than the lower THC levels, hemp is the same plant botanically as marijuana. Because this plant has long been on the Schedule 1 controlled substance list in the U.S. (United States), knowledge of pests and diseases is limited, and labelled control measures are almost non-existent. This publication provides information and general management recommendations for hemp diseases found in Florida. Management options are currently limited as there is a lack of resistant varieties and other management strategies for industrial hemp production.

Douglas A. Phillips, Norma C. Flor, andPhilip F. Harmon

Southern highbush blueberry (SHB) cultivars are commercially grown throughout much of Florida in both deciduous and evergreen production systems. Growers in deciduous production should strive to keep leaves healthy through flower bud differentiation in fall to ensure optimum yield potential. In evergreen production, it is critical to maintain the prior year’s foliage through winter months to support early fruit production the following season. In both systems, leaves can be damaged by many factors, such as environmental conditions, chemical applications, insects, and diseases. This publication includes basic information to assist growers in determining 1) the likely cause (fungal, viral, algal, or bacterial) of leaf symptoms, 2) when specific leaf spots are likely to occur, 3) characteristic symptoms of common leaf problems, and 4) some of the available management options.

Shouan Zhang, Geoffrey Meru, Aaron J. Palmateer, andKenneth L. Pernezny

This fact sheet summarizes specific common diseases of beans, briefly describing symptoms and cultural controls. This edition is an update and revision with Geoffrey Meru as an added co-author.

Romina Gazis, Jonathan Crane, and Jeff Wasielewski

Guava is a popular subtropical fruit tree grown commercially in south Florida. Production is affected by multiple diseases of different origin. This guide provides information about the most common diseases, including disease biology and management. Written by Romina Gazis, Jonathan Crane, and Jeff Wasielewski, and published by the UF/IFAS Plant Pathology Department, revised April 2024.

Shouan Zhang, Geoffrey Meru, and Pamela D. Roberts

A UF/IFAS numbered Management.

Shouan Zhang, Pamela D. Roberts, Geoffrey Meru, Robert J. McGovern, and Lawrence E. Datnoff

A UF/IFAS numbered Management for Commercial audience(s).

Monica L. Elliott
Other Contacts: Braham Dhillon

Monica L. Elliott
Other Contacts: Braham Dhillon

This document is PP278, one of a series of the Plant Pathology Department, UF/IFAS Extension. Original publication date June 2010. Revised August 2013 and January 2017.

Monica L. Elliott andTimothy Broschat
Other Contacts: Braham Dhillon

This document is about Ganoderma butt rot, a lethal disease affecting all palm species, caused by the fungus Ganoderma zonatum. It describes the symptoms, diagnosis, and life cycle of the pathogen, emphasizing the lack of effective treatments or preventive measures. First publication Date: November 2000.

Monica L. Elliott
Other Contacts: Braham Dhillon

Graphiola leaf spot, also referred to as "false smut," is a foliar pathogen of certain palm species. In Florida, it is primarily a cosmetic disease and does not adversely affect plant growth. Nutrient deficiencies, such as potassium or magnesium deficiency, are much more serious palm health problems than this disease, especially for Phoenix species.

Philip F. Harmon

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet.

Monica L. Elliott andPhilip F. Harmon

Philip F. Harmon andAaron J. Palmateer

[ABSTRACT]

Tripti Vashisth, Megan M. Dewdney, andJamie D. Burrow

Huanglongbing (HLB) is a bacterial disease that is spread by an insect, the Asian citrus psyllid. This 2-page fact sheet explains how to tell the difference between HLB symptoms and symptoms from nutrient deficiencies.

N. A. Peres and L. A. Warner

Downy mildew on impatiens is of great concern throughout Florida. Winters in south Florida provide high humidity paired with cool nights, creating ideal conditions for disease development. Downy mildews are caused by several different species of pathogens that tend to be plant-host specific. Plasmopara obducens is the pathogen that affects impatiens. Some literature indicates that nighttime temperatures of about 50°F to 72°F favor downy mildew, but the disease has been reported on impatiens year-round in south Florida.

Tim Momol, Amanda Strayer-Scherer, Ying-Yu Liao, Peter Abrahamian, Sujan Timilsina, Mathews Paret, Jeffrey B. Jones, andGary Vallad

Bacterial spot is one of the most detrimental diseases of tomato and is especially severe in the southeast United States when weather conditions (high temperature, high humidity, and rain) become conducive for disease development. This publication presents updated information about the causal pathogen and management of bacterial spot on tomato in Florida.

Philip F. Harmon andMonica L. Elliott

This document provides a key for the preliminary diagnosis of landscape turfgrass diseases, focusing on common issues in Florida. It includes sections on disease identification, pathogen details, affected turfgrasses, occurrence timing, symptoms, cultural controls, and chemical treatments. The key helps narrow down potential disease problems and offers links to more specific diagnostic resources. For unresolved issues, consulting local extension offices or submitting samples to diagnostic clinics is recommended. First published: July 1991.

Monica L. Elliott andPhilip F. Harmon

This document discusses the occurrence and management of large patch disease in warm-season turfgrasses, particularly St. Augustinegrass and zoysiagrass. It explains the conditions that trigger the disease, symptoms, and signs of infection. The article emphasizes cultural controls, such as nutrient and water management, and chemical controls, including various fungicides. It also highlights the importance of integrating cultural practices with chemical treatments for effective disease management and recovery of turfgrass. First published: May 1991.

Philip F. Harmon, Christ Mane Belizaire, andDouglas A. Phillips

Leaf rust is an important disease of southern highbush blueberries (SHB) in Florida and can be particularly costly in the evergreen production system. Severe leaf rust causes defoliation in the fall or early winter, which can decrease floral bud differentiation, photosynthesis, and the next season’s fruit yield. Florida blueberry growers consistently list leaf rust among their top-three disease concerns in UF/IFAS surveys. This publication will present information for Florida blueberry growers on the disease cycle, symptoms, and integrated management of this fungal leaf disease.

Juliana Baggio, J. C. Mertely, andNatalia A. Peres

Several different fungi and one bacterium cause leaf spot diseases of strawberry. Symptoms caused by these pathogens are often similar, leading to confusion and misdiagnosis of the disease. This publication focuses on helping growers, crop consultants, and Extension agents with the diagnosis and identification of the most common strawberry leaf spot diseases found in Florida.

Monica L. Elliott
Other Contacts: Braham Dhillon

This fact sheet is limited to those diseases where the pathogens only infect (invade) and cause spots and blights of the leaf blade. Other diseases may cause death of leaflets and leaf segments but are actually the result of a pathogen infecting the leaf petiole or rachis.

Braham Dhillon, Lucas Altarugio, Seemanti Chakrabarti, and Kamaldeep Bansal

Palms (Arecaceae) are flowering plants with varied growth forms ranging from climbers to tree-like plants found across diverse habitats. Some palm species naturally hybridize with other species, whereas a few species can be artificially hybridized to produce new morphotypes. Mule palm (× Butyagrus nabonnandii) is an artificial hybrid that is becoming popular as a landscape ornamental because of its appearance and cold hardiness. However, hybridization among different species could lead to unintended outcomes, including lesion mimics. A lesion mimic phenotype was identified in mule palms growing across multiple farms across central and south Florida. As leaf spots are one of the most common symptoms observed during disease or nutritional deficiency, the detection of lesion mimics can sometimes be challenging. This publication documents a simple method to identify lesion mimics in palms. Correct diagnosis of lesion mimics would limit unnecessary applications of fungicides or fertilizers.

Brian W. Bahder and Ericka E. Helmick

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet. in support of UF/IFAS Extension program: Integrated Pest Management

Brian Bahder andEricka E. Helmick

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet. Published by Plant Systems

Elena Karlsen-Ayala andMatthew E. Smith

This document is about Macrocybe titans, the largest known gilled mushroom in the Western Hemisphere. It explores the species’ taxonomy, morphology, ecology, and geographic distribution, highlighting its presence in tropical and subtropical regions across the Americas. The mushroom is notable for its massive size, saprobic lifestyle, and adaptability to disturbed habitats. The document also discusses its identification methods, potential edibility, and hypotheses regarding its spread and ecological role. Original publication date February 2020.

Mathews L. Paret, Nicholas S. Dufault, Mason Newark, and Joshua H. Freeman

Gummy stem blight (GSB) is a major disease of many cucurbits, including watermelon, cantaloupe, cucumber, pumpkin, squash, muskmelon, and other melons. The disease is also known as black rot due to its characteristic appearance on infected fruits. Learn the symptoms, causal agent and disease spread, and fungicides labeled for use in Florida.

Qingren Wang, Shouan Zhang, and Teresa Olczyk

Powdery mildew is one of the most commonly occurring diseases on many types of beans. Although the causal organism rarely causes extensive damage, significant yield losses were reported in Columbia County when infection occurred in dry beans prior to flowering. Accurately identifying this disease and immediately taking action for control are critical to effectively prevent spread of powdery mildew in order to reduce significant losses of yield and quality.

Sarah Prentice and Matthew E. Smith

Marasmius vagus is one of the most common lawn mushrooms in the state of Florida. The purpose of this publication is to introduce Floridians to this mushroom, provide basic information about its biology, and aid in identification. Written by Sarah Prentice and Matthew E. Smith, and published by the UF/IFAS Plant Pathology Department, February 2024.

Philip F. Harmon

Mosaic disease of St. Augustinegrass was first reported in the 1960s in sugarcane producing areas of Palm Beach County, Florida. In the 10 years prior to 2013, less than 5 samples with mild symptoms were brought to the attention of the extension turfgrass pathologist. But in September 2013, an outbreak of the disease occurred in Pinellas County. Leaf symptoms included mosaic, but turned necrotic and the severe dieback that completely killed some infected lawns. In September 2014, lawns infected in 2013 and new lawns started dying in both Pinellas and Palm Beach Counties. Despite the similarity of symptoms to another St. Augustinegrass decline (SAD), as of November 2014, all samples have tested negative for SAD, and positive for presence of Sugarcane Mosaic Virus.

C. Benton Willis, Michael Goodnight, Jessica Velte, Marin T. Brewer, andMatthew E. Smith

Exobasidium fungi are plant pathogens that primarily infect plants in the Ericaceae family, including blueberries and azaleas. Their infections cause plant cells to proliferate (hyperplasia) and expand (hypertrophy). The fungi then use the increased surface area to produce spores. These changes manifest as symptoms on the host plant, varying by species of Exobasidium. The range of symptoms includes leaf and fruit spots, blisters, shoot proliferation (witches' broom), and galls. Infected plant tissues can also become swollen and distorted, as well as chlorotic (yellow) or discolored (reddish to pink). As this infected tissue matures, the surface becomes white and powdery from fungal spore production. Exobasidium fungi tend to cause symptoms on the plant during ideal weather conditions but can likely survive on the leaf surface or other available substrates year-round. Disease management includes chemical applications and cultural practices before the spores have the chance to mature.

Shouan Zhang, Pamela Dutra, Romina Gazis, Jonathan H. Crane, andJeff Wasielewski

This fact sheet, based on a recent publication by Dutra et al. (2025), presents evidence obtained from local commercial dragon fruit plantings, where off-season pruning was proven effective for dragon fruit canker (DFC) management. It aims to promote the adoption of this practice as a management strategy for DFC in south Florida and beyond. The target audience of this publication includes commercial producers, home gardeners, Extension agents, and industry.