MONROE - Black blotches on maple leaves could be the result of two fungal diseases, Green County ag agent Mark Mayer said in a statement Monday.
Mayer said the cool, wet spring conditions have helped contribute to the leaf-infecting fungi.
The two fungi, anthracnose and Venturia leaf blotch basically are the same, Mayer said.
"For many trees, anthracnose is a cosmetic disease, making the tree look a little ragged, but not killing the tree," Mayer said.
If the tree has been defoliated by anthracnose for several succeeding years, a fungicide for disease control might be necessary, he added. Fungicides aren't recommended at this time because it's too late in the season to do any good.
"For most products, these treatments are needed earlier in the spring for adequate control. One at bud break, one when leaves are half expanded and one when leaves are fully expanded," Mayer said.
Mayer said people shouldn't panic. "Leaf diseases on maples tend to be cosmetic and good fall cleanup of fallen leaves can go a long way to help reduce the severity of these sorts of diseases," he said.
More information about the diseases is available at green.uwex.edu or by calling 328-9440.
Mayer said the cool, wet spring conditions have helped contribute to the leaf-infecting fungi.
The two fungi, anthracnose and Venturia leaf blotch basically are the same, Mayer said.
"For many trees, anthracnose is a cosmetic disease, making the tree look a little ragged, but not killing the tree," Mayer said.
If the tree has been defoliated by anthracnose for several succeeding years, a fungicide for disease control might be necessary, he added. Fungicides aren't recommended at this time because it's too late in the season to do any good.
"For most products, these treatments are needed earlier in the spring for adequate control. One at bud break, one when leaves are half expanded and one when leaves are fully expanded," Mayer said.
Mayer said people shouldn't panic. "Leaf diseases on maples tend to be cosmetic and good fall cleanup of fallen leaves can go a long way to help reduce the severity of these sorts of diseases," he said.
More information about the diseases is available at green.uwex.edu or by calling 328-9440.