Diseases

Cercospora leaf spot of crapemyrtle

Lagerstroemia L.

A foliar disease of crapemyrtle caused by the fungus Pseudocercospora lythracearum, resulting in spotting, deformation, and premature leaf drop.

In the reference 5 varieties crop Crape Myrtle, where this is mentioned in the description.

The causal agent of Cercospora leaf spot of crapemyrtle is the fungus Pseudocercospora lythracearum. Symptoms appear as circular or irregular yellow-brown to dark-brown spots ranging from 0.3–0.6 cm in size. A whitish-gray coating may form on the underside of the leaves within the affected area.

Disease development begins in the lower part of the canopy and, under favorable warm and humid weather conditions from July to October, spreads upwards. Severe infection causes leaf curling, deformation, and defoliation, which significantly reduces the ornamental quality of the plants.

Breeding for resistance is based on interspecific hybridization using the species L. fauriei, L. subcostata, and L. limii. Resistant hybrids include 'Apalachee', 'Natchez', 'Muskogee', and 'Tuscarora', while the cultivars 'Dynamite', 'Pink Velour', and 'Victor' exhibit high susceptibility.

General information about the subject — on the page Cercospora leaf spot.

Sources8

Varieties of Crape Myrtle mentioned in the description

Selection based on the description text, not on official evaluation: these data are absent from registers. For specific variety details, please refer to its profile.