Sometimes you can notice pretty strange spheres made of leaves and branches on trees - that's witch's broom plant disease.
While it might look like it doesn't do much harm, it can be quite bad for your garden trees, so it's important to notice it quickly.
Here are a few signs that can help you identify it.
Excessive Bunching
One of the most distinctive signs is the abnormal growth of branches.
Instead of spreading out in a normal, balanced pattern, affected branches grow densely clustered together, resembling a broom.
This unusual growth is often located at the tips of the branches.
Reduced Leaf Size
Leaves on the affected branches tend to be significantly smaller than those on healthy parts of the plant.
They might also appear pale or discolored.
Deformed Shape
The overall shape of the plant can be distorted.
Some branches may grow much faster and thicker than others, leading to an uneven or irregular appearance.
Lack of Flowers or Fruit
In many cases, plants suffering from witch's broom disease fail to produce flowers or fruit.
This is because the abnormal growth interferes with the plant's reproductive processes.
Color Changes
The leaves and branches may exhibit unusual colors.
They can turn yellow, red, or even purple when they should normally be green. These color changes are a clear indicator of distress.
Stunted Growth
The presence of witch's broom disease often results in the stunted overall growth of the affected plant.
It doesn't reach its expected size or height compared to healthy plants of the same type.
Conclusion
Keep in mind that these detailed signs can vary depending on the plant species and the specific strain of witch's broom disease.
If you notice these symptoms in your plants, it's important to investigate further, as the disease can be detrimental to the overall health and appearance of your garden or landscape.
Seek advice from a local horticulturist or plant expert for proper diagnosis and treatment options.
