Question
QUESTION: We have acres of rosemary from 3yrs.old to 5 months old.  All of are plants are clones, off what we call mother rosemary. which is 7 years old this year. We started having a problem this year and it has affected all them. The plant makes a nodule on the branch (looks like it is trying to root) the leaves turn yellow fall off and it dies from there up. I have noticed that if front of the nodule the new growth acts like it knows the rest of the stem is about to die and the new sprigs take off (just like when you trim them). Prior to this we received a lot of rain 2-3 days worth. Followed by 7-8 cloudy days. Then within 1-2 weeks this started. The plants seem fine, so we are just cutting them at the nodules and burning them. Can you tell me what happened?

ANSWER: I cannot be absolutely sure but it sounds like a fungus.  I would suggest taking a few pieces in to your county extension service and if someone is not there that can identify it they should call you back later.  
You can find your local extension service here: http://www.csrees.usda.gov/Extension/index.html

If it is a fungus, spraying the leaves with liquid kelp (seaweed) may help.  You can find it at a local nursery.  Use 1 T. per gallon.   Kelp has been shown to make plants more resistant to drought, fungus, and frost.   

Let me know what you find out!

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I did speak with the county man. He came out last week and he took some samples. However he has not been with them long and they usually work with cotton,peanuts and corn. He called Friday and said from the tests it looked like to much water or not enough. He wasn't sure. I'm still cutting out the bad, row by row. It doesn't look like it is coming back on the one's I've cut. He thinks they got to much water setting on them then with all the cloudy days they started to sprout is that possible? Should I get the kelp and try it anyway? It won't hurt them if there is not a fungus?  We do have a lot of drought here in GA. mostly where we are Thank You for all your help  sincerely  Dawn

Answer
Even though he is used to working with cotton, peanuts, and corn I am surprised he could not tell.  I was guessing a fungus partially based on what you said about the weather - perfect conditions for fungus.

You may want to contact herb growers in your area.  Even if this one is not close to you they have a Facebook page where you may be able to at least post a photo and see if someone has an idea. http://www.cuhsa.org/

The kelp will not hurt even if it is not a fungus.