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Possible Viral disease?
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Posted by juliet_c Qld Aust (My Page) on Wed, Sep 24, 03 at 17:19
Hi,
I have noticed strange growth in a couple of shrubs in my garden. The growth is along stems and flattens the stem out, causing ridges and little knobs to form on it and any leave / flower growth off the stem becomes really twisted and sort of shrivelled... I have been cutting it out and throwing away the stems, it's probably been there for 3 / 4 months? Doesn't occur all over the bush, maybe 5 - 10% of growth? It has occured in a bougainvillea, but mainly in a cestrum rosea.
Does anyone have any ideas what it might be or good books in the library I could look up? I have consulted my trusty Yates guide but can't find anything in there...
Thanks,
Juliet |
Follow-Up Postings:
RE: Possible Viral disease?
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- Posted by Daz2 NW TAS AUST (My Page) on
Sat, Oct 11, 03 at 7:12
Juliet, there's a condition known as 'fasciation' that inflicts some plants....a wide variety... including daphne, roses, cotoneasters, cassias - and some natives - whereby a stem, up the tree or shrub, becomes flattened..distorted and the leaves shrivel....but the leaves at the top continue to grow. On natives, it makes a very bushy 'witch's broom' to grow
The cause is thought to be a mutation.....and the only remedy(?)is to cut off the offending piece and BURN it.
It may or may not recur....I don't know what causes the mutation but I would suspect some outside agency..thrip , mite, midge, bacteria, chemical(as in humans) or whatever...take your pick...If it continues I would be tempted to give the shrub major surgery and take off the stem near the trunk......Best of luck....and please keep us posted as to your results... Daz.
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RE: Possible Viral disease?
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Thanks for that Daz! Sounds quite similar to what has happened with this shrub... I have since also asked someone about this at a local garden store, and they suggested it might be something which has been passed on by aphids or other sucking insects. And there was a fairly bad infestation of aphids next to the shrub earlier this year. So I have cut off every stem which seems to be affected and disposed of them. That will teach me for being tardy in dealing with those wretched bugs! Will have to let you know how it goes in a few months I suppose. Thanks for your help,
Juliet |
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