Lily of the Valley (Convallaria) Disease Management

Managing Diseases in Lily of the Valley Production

Lily of the valley (Convallaria majalis) faces fungal diseases including southern blight, leaf spots/anthracnose, Aureobasidium leaf spot, rust, and foliar nematodes. The dense, low-growing habit creates favorable conditions for many foliar and soil-borne pathogens.

Southern Blight

Sclerotium rolfsii causes tan to mustard-colored ball-like sclerotia at stem base near soil; wilting and death.

Management: Remove/destroy infected plants. Apply fungicides.

Leaf Spots and Anthracnose

Ascochyta, Cercospora, Mycosphaerella, Phyllosticta, Colletotrichum, Gloeosporium cause small water-soaked spots enlarging to tan/reddish-brown as leaves yellow.

Management: Don't use sprinkler irrigation. Wet soil, not plants. Apply fungicides.

Aureobasidium Leaf Spot

Aureobasidium microstictum causes small water-soaked spots developing brown streaks with yellow halos (often from leaf tip downward); premature leaf death.

Management: Don't use sprinkler irrigation. Wet soil, not plants. Apply fungicides.

Rust

Puccinia sessilis causes small yellow upper leaf spots with orange-brown spore masses underneath.

Management: Apply fungicides.

Foliar Nematode

Aphelenchoides spp. cause interveinal yellowing then browning.

Management: Keep moisture off leaves. Remove/destroy infected plants.

Integrated Convallaria Health Practices

Key strategies: avoid sprinkler irrigation (critical for all foliar diseases); water soil directly; regular sanitation (remove infected leaves/plants); fungicide applications for rust and southern blight; nematode management through dry foliage and infected plant removal; and maintaining good air circulation in dense plantings. The low, spreading habit traps humidity, making irrigation method the single most important cultural practice.