Learning About Common Asparagus Diseases and How to Control Them

Asparagus plants are susceptible to various diseases, ranging from fungi to water molds and even viruses. Identifying and treating these diseases can be a challenge, but with the right knowledge, you can help your plants thrive.

In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the common diseases that affect asparagus plants and provide you with valuable advice on how to manage them effectively.

Common Asparagus Diseases

Here are some of the common diseases that can affect asparagus plants:

• Fungi

• Anthracnose

• Asparagus Rust
• Cercospora Needle Blight
• Crown and Root Rot
• Fusarium Wilt
• Gray Mold
• Purple Spot
• Red Rot

• White Mold

• Water Molds (Oomycetes)

• Phytophthora Crown, Root, and Spear Rot

• Viruses

• Asparagus Virus I and II

Now, let’s dive deeper into each of these diseases and how you can identify and control them effectively.

Fungi

Asparagus plants are vulnerable to various fungi that can cause serious damage if left unchecked.

Anthracnose

Anthracnose, caused by Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, is a fungal disease that thrives in hot conditions. Symptoms include light pink lesions that turn brown over time, eventually forming concentric rings. This fungus spreads through wind, water, and contact with infected plant parts.

One way to treat anthracnose is by using a biofungicide like CEASE, which contains a patented strain of Bacillus subtilis.

Asparagus Rust

Asparagus rust, caused by Puccinia asparagi, can be a significant threat to crops worldwide. This disease has four life cycles that produce rust-colored spores, which spread rapidly through wind and rain. Planting rows in the direction of prevailing winds and using microbial or synthetic fungicides can help control this disease.

Cercospora Needle Blight

Cercospora asparagi causes lesions on leaves and stems, primarily in warm humid environments. Planting rows six feet apart and using fungicides can help control this disease effectively.

Crown and Root Rot

Crown and root rot, caused by Fusarium fungi, can be devastating to asparagus plants. Symptoms include lesions on roots and lower stems. Maintaining soil pH and avoiding stress to plants can help prevent this disease.

Fusarium Wilt

Fusarium culmorum is a soil-borne pathogen that affects asparagus plants. It can survive for long periods in the soil and enters plants through wounds. Preventing infections by minimizing wounds is essential to control this disease.

Gray Mold

Gray mold, caused by Botrytis cinerea, can spread rapidly under hot and humid conditions. Planting rows in the direction of prevailing winds and limiting overhead irrigation can help prevent this disease. Fungicides are often used to control gray mold.

Purple Spot

Purple spot, caused by Stemphylium vesicarium and Pleospora herbarum, can affect newly emerging asparagus spears in cool and wet weather. Bagging and removing asparagus debris can help reduce infection. Fungicides like chlorothalonil can be effective in treating this disease.

Red Rot

Red rot, caused by Helicobasidium purpureum, can result in bare spots in asparagus plots. Prevention is key, as the disease can survive in the soil for long periods. Avoid growing asparagus in infected areas and remove infected plants.

White Mold

White mold, caused by Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, can infect asparagus plants in hot and moist conditions. Removing infected plant tissue is crucial, as the fungus can survive for up to 10 years in the soil.

Water Molds (Oomycetes)

Water mold pathogens, known as oomycetes, can also infect asparagus plants.

Phytophthora Crown, Root, and Spear Rot

Phytophthora asparagi can cause severe crown rot on asparagus plants. Symptoms include water-soaked lesions and bending spears. Avoid planting in low-lying or poorly draining areas and use fungicides to control this disease.

Viruses

Asparagus plants are vulnerable to viral diseases as well.

Asparagus Virus I and II

These viruses can reduce plant vigor and increase susceptibility to other pathogens. Controlling aphids, the vectors of these viruses, may not help control the diseases. Consult with local experts to determine effective control measures.

Conclusion

Asparagus plants can be affected by a range of diseases, some more treatable than others. By learning to identify these diseases and implementing appropriate control measures, you can help your plants thrive and produce healthy spears.

If you have experienced infections in your asparagus plants or have any questions, feel free to share in the comments. Additionally, for more information on growing asparagus, check out our related guides listed below.

Remember, early detection and proactive management are key to protecting your plants from common asparagus diseases.