Pyracantha: Scab

Biology

Pyracantha scab is caused by a fungus that overwinters in infected leaves, twigs, and berries. Young leaves and berries are most susceptible to infection. Olive green to black spots develop on leaves, twigs and fruit. Infected leaves may turn yellow or red and fall off prematurely.

Management Options

Use Integrated Pest Management (IPM) for successful plant problem management.

Non-chemical Management

Select non-chemical management options as your first choice!

• Pruning in dormant season to remove dead wood and foliage.
• Plant resistant cultivars: for yellow berries, ‘Shawnee’ and ‘Aurea’; for orange berries, ‘Mohave’, ‘Orange Glow’, or ‘Teton’; for red berries, ‘Watereri’, ‘Government Red’, ‘Navaho’.
• Rake and destroy fallen leaves and fruit.

Chemical Management

IMPORTANT: Visit Home and Garden Fact Sheets for more information on using pesticides.

Begin treatment in spring at first bud break before symptoms appear.

Approved Pesticides

Listed below are examples of pesticides that are legal in Washington. Always read and follow all label directions.

• Bonide Copper Fungicide Spray or Dust RTU [Organic]
  Active ingredient: basic copper sulfate [EPA registration number: 4-58]
• GardenTech Daconil Fungicide Concentrate
  Active ingredient: chlorothalonil [EPA registration number: 67572-82-71004]
• Monterey Liqui-Cop Copper Fungicidal Garden Spray
  Active ingredient: copper-ammonia complex [EPA registration number: 54705-7]
• Ortho Max Garden Disease Control Concentrate
  Active ingredient: chlorothalonil [EPA registration number: 239-2522]
• Safer Brand Garden Fungicide/Flowers, Fruit and Vegetables Concentrate
  Active ingredient: sulfur [EPA registration number: 42697-37]
• Spectracide IMMUNOX Multi-Purpose Fungicide Spray Concentrate
  Active ingredient: myclobutanil [EPA registration number: 9688-123-8845]
• This list may not include all products registered for this use.

Additional Images