Category Archives: Pests and Diseases

Silver Spotted Tiger Moth

In early May I noticed some caterpillars in a Douglas Fir I was pruning away from a roof in Seattle. A little investigating online and in a few of my resource books confirmed that they were silver spotted tiger moth … Continue reading

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Pear Trellis Rust

Pear trellis rust (Gymnosporangium sabinae) is an interesting fungus in that it requires two entirely different plant hosts to complete its life cycle – pear and juniper. Spores produced on junipers only infect pears, and those produced on pear only … Continue reading

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Quince Leaf Blight

Quince trees seem to be one of the least common fruit trees in Seattle, and Western Washington in general. This is unfortunate because they can be made into some delicious jams and sauces. If you’re fortunate enough to have a … Continue reading

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Cherry Bark Tortrix

The Cherry bark tortrix is a pest on trees and shrubs of the rose family (Rosaceae). This means most common fruit trees have the potential to be affected including apple, cherry, plum, and peach. It’s a relatively new pest to … Continue reading

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Verticillium wilt

Around the Seattle area this spring I noticed a number of Japanese Maples infected with what appears to be verticillium wilt (Verticillium dahliae and V. albo-atrum). This soil borne fungi can infect a very wide range of species. It causes … Continue reading

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