Recognizing Septoria on Carnations
Septoria on carnations is easy to spot by the development of pale brown patches with purple or violet edges. These show up first on the lower part of the plant. Most likely, you’ll also notice tiny black spores in the center of the rings. As the spots enlarge and grow together, the leaves may die. Carnation septoria symptoms may include leaves that bend downward or sideways.
Managing Septoria Leaf Spot of Carnations
Septoria on carnations is favored by warm, damp conditions and spreads by splashing water and windborne rain. Mitigating these conditions as much as possible is the key in carnation leaf spot control. Don’t crowd carnation plants. Allow plenty of space for air to circulate, especially during damp, rainy weather or periods of high humidity. Water at the base of the plant and avoid overhead sprinklers. Although you can’t control the weather, it helps to keep the foliage as dry as possible. Apply a layer of mulch under the plants to keep water from splashing on the leaves. Sanitation is major in controlling septoria on carnations. Remove infected leaves on and around the plant and dispose of them properly. Keep the area free of weeds and debris; the disease can overwinter on diseased plant matter. Never put infected plant matter in your compost bin. If carnation septoria leaf spot is severe, spray the plants with a fungicidal product as soon as symptoms appear. The next year, consider planting carnations in a different, unaffected location in your garden.
