Entomosporium Leaf Spot

Commonly seen on red tips (Photinia x fraseri), this fungal disease also attacks Indian hawthorn (Raphiolepis indica), loquat (Eriobotrya japonica) and to a lesser degree, several other plants in the rose family. This disease attacks newly expanding leaves, usually in the spring and fall months when the weather is cool and rainy. Mature leaves are resistant to infections.

Control: Remove infected twigs and leaves and rake up and discard fallen leaves to reduce the amount of overwintering fungal spores. Prune only in late winter before bud-break. Summer pruning encourages flushes of new growth which are susceptible to attack. Space plants far enough apart to encourage rapid drying of the foliage after a rainfall, and avoid wetting the leaves when watering since the fungus is spread by splashing water. Fungicides will protect the young foliage; however, fungicide applications should be continued until the growth matures. Photinia produces several growth flushes a season, so expect to make regular fungicide applications.