Dogwood Anthracnose
Dogwood anthracnose is a relatively new disease to the Southern Appalachians. In the past decade it has killed millions of flowering dogwoods (Cornus florida L.), particularly at high elevations in the Blue Ridge Province. Dogwood is an important understory and midstory component in the Southern Appalachians. Aside from the aesthetic impact to both forest and shade trees, dogwood anthracnose can have significantimpacts on wildlife and ecosystem processes.
The history of the disease in the United States has been very short (
- The History of Dogwood Anthracnose and its Spread in the South : Dogwood anthracnose is a relatively new disease to North America. It was first observed in 1976. Although the origin of dogwood anthracnose is unknown, the results of DNA analysis combined with its rapid spread have led many to conclude it was introduce
- Symptoms of Dogwood Anthracnose : Dogwood anthracnose affects leaves, bracts, current-year shoots, localized areas of bark and cambium of trunk or branches, fruits, and seeds of C. florida.
- The Pathogen and Environmental Effects on its Development : Several environmental factors, such as light exposure, water relations, acid rain, and topographic factors have all been correlated with the incidence and severity of dogwood anthracnose.
- Managing Dogwood Anthracnose : More options exist for managing ornamental dogwoods in landscaped areas than natural populations of dogwood in forest sites.
- Research Gaps in the Study of Dogwood Anthracnose : There are still many gaps in our knowledge of this relatively new disease.
Encyclopedia ID: p2920
