Expert: Tom Alonzo - 7/2/2009

Question
QUESTION: One of my two plants, planted early spring is thriving, the other is developing
severe brown, spreading from the center spine of the each leaf. This happened
once before, I sprayed Orthonex and it cleared up. The soil around each seems
to be the same. Any help? Thanks

ANSWER: Hi Fred,
Thanx for your question.  Here is an image.  Let me know if this is what you're talking about.

http://www.plantmanagementnetwork.org/elements/view.aspx?ID=1629
Below is information on Phytophthora ramorum
http://www.plantmanagementnetwork.org/pub/php/diagnosticguide/2003/sod/
What is your location.  If Orthonex is clearing it up, it may be spider mites.  Have you seen any sticky strings on the plants?  The fungus P. ramorum is relatively rare on the East coast I think and appears to be attacking various tree and shrub species on the West Coast.  

I hope this helps.
Tom

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: forgot to tell you, I am in Atlanta, GA. one of two plants still healthy, other
deteriorating. Thanks for response. Fred

Answer
Hi Fred,
I previously answered your question but I also forgot to include some other information.  If my response does not help, please contact these folks below:

http://www.azaleachapter.com/index.htm

It is a Rhododendron/Azalea chapter and I believe it is located in Georgia.  

I hope this helps.
Tom