Pyracantha: Scab

categories: Ornamentals Pyracantha Pyracantha Diseases Shrubs

last review date: 2025-06-27 10:37

Biology

Pyracantha scab is caused by a fungus that overwinters in infected leaves, twigs, and berries. Young leaves and berries are most susceptible to infection.

Olive green to black spots develop on leaves, twigs and fruit. Infected leaves may turn yellow or red and fall off prematurely.

Management Options

See "Using Integrated Pest Management (IPM) in the Landscape" for successful problem management techniques.

Non-chemical Management

Select non-chemical management options as your first choice!

• Pruning in dormant season to remove dead wood and foliage.
• Plant resistant cultivars: for yellow berries, ‘Shawnee’ and ‘Aurea’; for orange berries, ‘Mohave’, ‘Orange Glow’, or ‘Teton’; for red berries, ‘Watereri’, ‘Government Red’, ‘Navaho’.
• Rake and destroy fallen leaves and fruit.

Chemical Management

IMPORTANT: Visit Home and Garden Fact Sheets for more information on using pesticides.

Begin treatment in spring at first bud break before symptoms appear.

Approved Pesticides

Examples of pesticides that are legal for home use in Washington State are listed below.
The list may not include all products registered for this use.

• Bonide Copper Fungicide Spray or Dust RTU [Organic]
  Active ingredient: basic copper sulfate (EPA reg. 4-58)
• GardenTech Daconil Fungicide Concentrate
  Active ingredient: chlorothalonil (EPA reg. 67572-82-71004)
• Monterey Liqui-Cop Copper Fungicidal Garden Spray
  Active ingredient: copper-ammonia complex (EPA reg. 54705-7)
• Ortho Max Garden Disease Control Concentrate
  Active ingredient: chlorothalonil (EPA reg. 239-2522)
• Spectracide IMMUNOX Multi-Purpose Fungicide Spray Concentrate
  Active ingredient: myclobutanil (EPA reg. 9688-123-8845)