Question
Effect of Diseases
Dear Dan,
I have some leatherleaf fern in my farm. Since October, 2009 the fern attacked by diseases. I had sent sample to various laboratory associated with the diseases in my country. The laboratory has identified it that "Colletotrichum" and "Cylindrocladium" attacked leaf. The different laboratory has identified the different diseases. There are Corynespora casiicola in leafs of fern, Fusarium sp in stems and rhizomes. The laboratory had given recommendation that must i do. But there aren't the significant changes to fern. The symptom same with FDS (Fern Distortion Syndrome), Exactly fern with vena roja or red vein in Costa Rica that can decrease in production.
I had tried some treatment such as cropping the stems with diseases and spray bactericide or fungicide to the leaf and soil. Furthermore i spray it with antagonistic bacteria or biological control agents. I also used various synthetic pesticides. But, up to now showed no significant change. I asked for suggestions from you for solve this problem. Hopefully, i can hear from you soon.
Thanks for your cooperation
With best regards,
Ima
AnswerDear Ima;
I will gladly try to help explain your situation. However, my ability to solve it is pretty limited. From my experience, I do not believe there is a fool-proof, knockdown solution for the problems you are having.
The phenomenon you describe is almost certainly the condition known as "Fern anthracnose," brought about by the pathogen Colletotrichum. The other pathogens you mention are most likely secondary agents which have infested the damaged and diseased foliage.
I am not a plant pathologist and probably not fully qualified to offer a complete course for eradication. I can refer you, however, to what I find to be the most extensive and thorough publication on the subject:
http://mrec.ifas.ufl.edu/jos/Bulletin%20900-PDF/Bulletin%20900.pdf
Frankly, and I say this with a heavy heart, many growers prefer to start over with clean stock and a clean field rather than try to eradicate.
I wish you the best of success. Please feel free to follow-up with additional questions. I am personally familiar with the professors who wrote the article and can try to link you directly to them if you feel that would help.
Sincerely;
DC
