Azalea Leaf Gall: Identification and Management of a Common Spring Fungus

Leaf Gall (Exobasidium vaccinii) on Azaleas

Common in spring (Williamsburg, VA). Symptoms: thickened, curled, fleshy leaves turning pale green to white, then brown and hard.

Control

• Cultural: Hand-pick and destroy galls before they turn white/powdery.
• Chemical (if severe): Mancozeb, copper salts of fatty acids, or triadimefon per label.

Rarely warrants spraying. See Clemson HGIC 2050.