Silver leaf

Silver Leaf is a common term used to describe a variety of plant diseases, caused by different types of fungi, which result in a silvering of the plant's leaves. The most well-known of these is caused by the fungus Chondrostereum purpureum, which affects a wide range of deciduous trees and shrubs.

Causes and Symptoms

The primary cause of Silver Leaf disease is the fungus Chondrostereum purpureum. The fungus enters the tree through wounds, often those caused by pruning or damage. Once inside the tree, the fungus produces toxins that interfere with the tree's water transport system, leading to the characteristic silvering of the leaves.

Symptoms of Silver Leaf disease include a silver sheen on the leaves, caused by the fungus growing on the surface of the leaf and reflecting light. Other symptoms can include branch dieback, leaf wilting, and in severe cases, death of the tree.

Treatment and Prevention

There is no known cure for Silver Leaf disease once a tree is infected. The best method of control is prevention, which includes proper pruning techniques to avoid creating wounds that the fungus can enter. Infected branches should be removed and destroyed to prevent the spread of the disease.

See Also

• Plant Pathology
• Fungal Diseases of Plants
• Tree Diseases