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Plant Diseases/white leaves

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Expert: John Cawly - 1/22/2008


Question
i recently bought a rosemary plant.the leaves where ok but a little pale.now it
is covered in small (pinprick) pale white dots.the mint plant next to it has now
got the same and looks pale washed out and blotchy.can you
help.Thanks,Matt.

Answer
Hi Matt,

As they say, a picture is worth a thousand words.  Can you perhaps send a photo to me?  You can send it via e-mail to
jdcawly@mckendree.edu.

There are many possibilities including insect infestation and virus infection.  If an adjacent plant has the same symptoms and signs, then it is probably insect related.  Viruses need vectors (such as insects) to transmit the viruses to other plants.  Are the plants sharing a common water source, such as a watering tray?  

Give me as much information about the location and environment of the two plants.  

Hope to help.

Plant Diseases

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Volunteer

John Cawly

Expertise

I can help with identification and possible treatment of plant diseases that affect houseplants and horticultural species, to include both biological (fungal, bacterial, viral, parasitic etc.) and environmental/cultural (watering, potting media, etc.) aspects.

Experience

Practical experience with a wide variety of houseplants and greenhouse plants, including cacti, euphorbia, african violets, amaryllus, and many others.

Organizations
American Phytopathology Society
American Society of Plant Biologists
American Society for Virology

Publications
Molecular Plant Microbe Interactions
Proceedings of the National Academy of Science (in print)
Rhodora -- Journal of the New England Botanical Society
Allelopathy Journal

Education/Credentials
BS, Southern Illinois University - Biological Sciences
MS, Southern Illinois University -- Biological Sciences - Genetic Engineering Specialization
PhD, University of Missouri Columbia -- Plant Microbiology and Pathology
(Viral Diseases specialization/Biotechnology Emphasis)

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