Laurel: Physiological shothole

Biology

Shothole symptoms resulting from cultural or environmental stress are commonly observed on laurels. Research has failed to identify what specific stress is responsible. Symptoms are first observed as necrotic leaf spots with circular to irregular margins. Abscission layers develop around necrotic leaf spots causing the injured tissue to drop away, leaving holes and tattered areas in the leaf. After tissues drop, most often it is difficult to determine what caused the initial injury. Observations of early symptom development, signs, and symptoms on other areas of the plant may help make an accurate diagnosis.

Management Options

Use Integrated Pest Management (IPM) for successful plant problem management.

Non-chemical Management

Select non-chemical management options as your first choice!

• No management practices have been shown to help reduce physiological shothole.

Chemical Management

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

• None recommended