Disease control

Common plant diseases

Plant diseases in horticulture and agriculture are conditions or disorders that negatively affect the health and productivity of cultivated plants, including crops and ornamental plants. These diseases are caused by various pathogens, including fungi, bacteria, viruses, and nematodes, as well as environmental factors. Here's an overview of common plant diseases in both horticulture and agriculture. Looking for a specific species? Take a look at our plant disease overview.

  • Blights

    Blights

    Late blight, early blight, and fire blight are examples of diseases characterized by rapid wilting and dieback of plant tissues. Examples are:

  • Canker diseases

    Canker diseases

    Canker diseases lead to the formation of sunken, dead areas on plant stems and branches, affecting tree and shrub species. Examples:

    • Apple canker
    • Citrus canker
    • Bacterial canker of tomato
    • Pine canker
    • Grape canker
    • Stone fruit canker
    • Rose canker
    • Fire blight
    • Walnut canker
    • Poplar canker
  • Leaf spot diseases

    Leaf spot diseases

    These diseases cause circular or irregular spots on plant leaves and can be caused by various pathogens, including fungi and bacteria. Examples are:

  • Mildews

    Mildews

    Powdery mildew and downy mildew are fungal diseases that create powdery or fuzzy growth on plant surfaces. Examples are:

  • Pest-transmitted diseases

    Pest-transmitted diseases

    Some plant diseases are transmitted by insects or other pests. For example, aphids can transmit plant viruses. Examples:

    • Citrus greening (huanglongbing)
    • Potato leafroll virus
    • Tomato yellow leaf curl virus
    • Plum pox virus
    • Pierce's disease of grapevine
    • Dutch elm disease
    • Aster yellows
    • Banana bunchy top virus
    • Maize mosaic virus
    • Coconut lethal yellowing disease
  • Root diseases

    Root diseases

    Diseases like Rhizoctonia root rot and Pythium root rot affect plant roots, leading to poor root development and reduced plant health. Plant-parasitic nematodes, such as root-knot nematodes, can infest plant roots, causing reduced nutrient uptake and stunted growth. Examples:

    • Root rot
    • Black root rot of cucurbits
    • Brown root rot, corky root rot
    • Crazy roots, hairy roots, crown gall
    • Root and crown rot of strawberry
    • Rhizoctonia root rot
    • Pythium root rot
    • Fusarium wilt
    • Verticillium wilt
    • Clubroot
    • Crown gall
    • Root knot nematodes
    • Sclerotinia rot
    • Phytophthora root rot
  • Rust diseases

    Rust diseases

    Rust diseases cause rust-colored pustules on plant surfaces, affecting various crops like wheat, beans, and roses.

  • Wilts and rots

    Wilts and rots

    Diseases like Fusarium wilt, Verticillium wilt, and root rot can lead to wilting, yellowing of leaves, and plant death. Vascular wilt diseases block the plant's vascular system, causing wilting and reduced water and nutrient transport. Examples are:

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