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UMass Extension's Professional Management Guide for Diseases of Trees and Shrubs

Landscape, Nursery and Urban Forestry

Author: Nicholas J. Brazee, UMass Extension Plant Pathologist

Most of the disease pathogens known to be pests of woody ornamentals in the Northeast region are covered in this guide.  Included is host plant information, along with appropriate fungicides, bactericides, biological control materials, and also cultural management information where applicable. Refer to the bottom section of this page for more information about pesticide use.

This guide assumes accurate identification of disease problems, as correct identification informs management options and can reduce pesticide use.  UMass has a lab that diagnoses plant problems, refer to the UMass Extension Plant Diagnostic Lab for more information.


Table 1. Common diseases of woody ornamentals in New England, host plants, and associated management options Adobe PDF icon

Table 1 is organized according to major disease categories for woody plant material in New England.  Plant hosts, symptoms & management, and currently labeled fungicide or bactericide active ingredients are listed for specific pathogens within each category.

While chemical management options are listed for these pathogens, bear in mind that the application of a fungicide or bactericide is not always the first, or best, approach.  Alternative and cultural management strategies are detailed for many pathogens in the ‘Symptoms & Management’ column.

Numbers in parentheses listed in association with individual pathogens refer to page numbers in Diseases of Trees and Shrubs - Second Edition by Wayne Sinclair and Howard Lyon (Cornell University Press). This book, a definitive resource in the field, is a primary source of additional detailed information about each pathogen.

(R) denotes a material that has restricted use status in Massachusetts.

Table 2. List by active ingredient - fungicides and bactericides currently labeled for diseases of woody ornamentals in Massachusetts Adobe PDF icon

Table 2 presents information about currently registered fungicide or bactericide active ingredients, including current trade names, suppliers, EPA registration numbers, and current restricted use status.

Although every effort was made to be thorough, trade name lists are provided for reference purposes only and are not necessarily comprehensive or reflective of the full range of commercially available products.

(R) denotes a material that has restricted use status in Massachusetts.

Table 3. List by trade name - fungicides and bactericides currently labeled for diseases of woody ornamentals in Massachusetts Adobe PDF icon

Table 3 is a list for cross-referencing active ingredients by trade name.  Includes supplier, EPA registration number and current restricted use status.

As mentioned above, this list is not necessarily comprehensive or reflective of the full range of commercially available products.

Table 4. Detailed information about the characteristics and use of specific fungicides or bactericides for diseases of woody ornamentals in Massachusetts Adobe PDF icon

Table 4 includes descriptions of fungicides and bactericides covered in this guide, organized by active ingredient.

(R) denotes a material that has restricted use status in Massachusetts.


About the information in this guide

The predceding information is meant only to be a guide, and is not presented as recommendations but rather as research-based and expertly audited knowledge intended to help practitioners make informed decisions. The authors make no guarantees and assume no liability as to the effectiveness of outlined practices or listed materials. The user of this information assumes all risks and liability for personal injury and property damage.

About pesticides referenced in this guide

When using pesticides, applicators must read and strictly follow all directions on the pesticide label. The pesticide label is the law. In the event that pesticide label information is in conflict with information contained in this guide, the label shall take precedence.

Pesticide trade names are used for identification and reference purposes only. No product endorsement is indicated or implied, nor is discrimination intended against similar materials. No claims are made with regard to the actual efficacy of referenced pesticide materials. It is the responsibility of the applicator to determine the efficacy of any material against the target pathogen(s).

All pesticides listed in this guide are registered and approved for indicated uses in Massachusetts according to the best available information at the time of publication, but not all compounds listed are necessarily registered for use other states. Local, state and federal laws and regulations pertaining to pesticides vary and are subject to change. Pesticide applicators are advised to stay current with both state and federal laws and regulations governing pesticides and their use. To check the registration status of a material in your state, see Pesticide Resources. It is unlawful to use any pesticide in any manner other than the registered use.

In Massachusetts, anyone applying pesticides to the property of another or areas to which the public has access, both indoors and outdoors, must be licensed. It is the responsibility of the applicator to know and adhere to the licensing requirements of each state in which they work. For information in regard to licensing in Massachusetts, go to Pesticide License Information.

Some pesticides referred to herein may be classified “for restricted use only” in accordance with federal and/or state regulations. Persons purchasing and using “restricted use” pesticides must be licensed and certified applicators.