Disease Spotlight
Leaf and crown rot of liriope (lily turf) are caused by the common plant pathogen Phytophthora palmivora. This pathogen favors moderate temperatures and abundant soil moisture and can be easily spread between container plants in irrigation water and by rain splash.
Symptoms: Early symptoms of leaf and crown rot include yellowing of the leaves from the the base of the leaves upward. As the disease progresses, the base of the leaves begin to rot and turn brown, and the plant dies.
Management: All species and varieties of liriope are susceptible to Phytophthora palmivora. As such, the best management strategy is to prevent the entry of the pathogen into the landscape through the use of disease-free plants. The use of good cultural practices, including site selection, water management and sanitation, can go a long way in preventing disease spread in the landscape. Information on the use of fungicides to manage leaf and crown rot of liriope can be found in in the LSU AgCenter Disease Management Guide.
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Ornamental Disease Management Resources | |
Southeastern Ornamental Horticulture Production and Integrated Pest Management | The Knowledge Center-Boxwood Blight |
Louisiana Plant Pathology Blog (Archives Only) |
The LSU AgCenter and the LSU College of Agriculture