What Is Wrong With My Berkeley Sedge?

Do the leaves have spots or blotches?

Are there any rust-colored spots on foliage?

Are there any blister-like lesions near the base of the plant and streaks on leaves?

Are the leaves discolored, fine webbing may be present?

Did the leaves become distorted due to excess moisture in the soil?

Your plant is suffering from a fungal leaf spot. These can come from several fungus diseases, causing spots to occur on foliage. Spots may enlarge rapidly, especially in wet weather. Destroy infected leaves or plants. Spray plants with sulfur to prevent the disease from spreading, especially if the weather is wet. Spray between rains. Prevent problems by thinning plants to provide good air circulation.

Rust-colored spots on foliage indicate 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.

Smut fungus attacks mostly young seedlings as the new leaves emerge. It causes blister-like lesions near the base of the plant and streaks on leaves. The streaks mature into black powdery spores. The fungus stunts the growth of the plants. More mature plants are not as susceptible. If the infection is mild, cut off and destroy all infected leaves. In more severe infections all you can do is destroy plants to stop smut from spreading.

Spider mites are known to cause problems for Berkeley sedge. Hose off plants when symptoms first appear. A strong stream knocks mites off plants and may give control. Introduce predatory mites. For severe infestations, spray plants with insecticidal soap or pyrethrin.

If a plant has absorbed more water than it needs, it can cause the plant’s cells to expand and stress. Often, these cells are filled to the point of rupturing. Burst cell damage is called edema. You can check for signs of edema by noticing any blisters or lesions on the plant. Eventually, these lesions will turn to dark or even white scar tissue. Another sign of edema is indentations on the top of leaves.

If the leaves are chewed the culprits may be rabbits. Damage is similar to deer damage but not usually as extensive. Use hot pepper wax spray or rabbit repellent.