What Is Wrong With My Sorrel?

Do the leaves have pale areas on upper surfaces and "downy" patches underneath?

Are the leaves pale on their upper side and are there any dusty blisters on the undersides?

Are the flowers covered with gray mold, leaves may be blotched or discolored?

Are there any small, angular, gray-brown spots with defined darker red-brown margins on leaves?

Are the leaves covered with white powder?

Are there any small, gray-brown spots with a light center and dark purple border spots?

Are the leaves curled and yellow?

Pale areas on upper surfaces of the leaves and "downy" patches underneath are caused by Downy mildew. This fungus spreads quickly during cool, wet nights and warm, humid days. Leaves will wilt and die. Remove and destroy all affected plant parts and encourage good air circulation around plants by thining them. Water plants early in the morning to make sure they dry before nightfall.

Likely cause for these symptoms is a fungal disease - Rust. Provide good air circulation around plants by thining them. Avoid making leaves wet when watering. All infected leaves should be removed. Spray leaves with sulfur early in the season to prevent rust or to treat mild infections.

Gray mold on flowers is probably caused by fungal disease - Botrytis blight. You can prevent Botrytis blight disease by planting in areas with good air circulation. Water plants sparsely. Severely infected plants should be removed. Spray weekly with a copper fungicide until the disease is under control.

These symptoms indicate fungal disease - Septoria leaf spot. Remove and destroy infected plant debris. Don't handle or brush against plants when they are wet. Rotate plantings. Remove weeds growing nearby.

White, powdery patches on the leaves are caused by a fungal disease Powdery mildew. Powdery mildew usually appears in damp places. Encourage good air circulation around the affected plants by thining them and any surrounding plants. Water plants from bellow to keep foliage dry. Any affected leaves should be cut off and removed. The appropriate fungicidal spray will protect your plant from further infections.

Ovulariasis is a fungal disease that affects the only sorrel. The infected part of the leaf dries and falls. To combat the disease, cut and destroy all affected leaves. Do not plant sorrel again in the same area for at least 4 years. To prevent the occurrence of infection, it is necessary to thin out, weed, and water sorrel in time. It will also be useful to periodically spray the plants with a one percent solution of copper sulfate.

Distorted, curled leaves are caused by aphids. These tiny insects cluster under leaves and on growing tips where they feed on plant sap. Leaves, stems, and buds get distorted, and later leaves and flowers drop from the plant. You can control them by washing them off the plant with water spray. Insecticidal soap should be used with severe infestations.

Large, ragged holes in the leaves are caused by slugs and snails. Slugs and snails feed on the plant leaves usually at night. To control slugs and snails use diatomaceous earth around your plants. You can also handpick them during the night or use shallow dishes filled with beer as a trap.