Narcissus (Daffodil): Fire
categories: Bulbs Narcissus (Daffodil) Narcissus (Daffodil) Diseases Ornamentals
last review date: 2024-07-07 01:58
Photo by: R.S. Byther
Biology
Narcissus fire is a fungal disease which affects the petals and leaves, but does not affect the bulb. It is favored by warm, humid weather and can spread very quickly under these conditions. Flowers are attacked first, with watersoaked spots appearing at the margins and enlarging rapidly. The spots later turn brown and wither. Leaf infections follow flower infections. Initial leaf symptoms include development of yellow, elongate spots near leaf tips. The centers of the spots turn grayish or brown as the spots enlarge. The leaf above the infection point dies and droops. The fungus survives in infected plant tissues and on plant debris in the soil.
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!
- Rotate out of daffodils for two years.
- Remove and destroy flowers and leaves as soon as infection begins.
- Clean up and destroy or discard (do not compost) all plant debris.
Chemical Management
IMPORTANT: For more information on using pesticides, visit Home and Garden Fact Sheets | Pesticide Resources and Education Program | Washington State University.
- Best when used with cultural controls.
- Apply fungicides to protect new growth.
- Make two (2) applications, in late March and early April.
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.
WSU Extension programs and employment are available to all without discrimination.
Evidence of noncompliance may be reported through your local Extension office.