Since 2022, nurseries in Virginia and other states have observed wilt and severe dieback on redbud, maple, and dogwood stock. In some cases, 90-100% of stock was unsellable due to the extent of damage. Early symptoms include leaf chlorosis, scorched leaf margins, and stunting and/or wilt of current year’s growth, eventually leading to death of individual branches and progression into the main stem. The fungus Ceratobasidium sp. has been consistently associated with vascular tissue of nursery stock showing the symptoms described above. This fungus has previously been reported as the cause of vascular streak dieback on cacao in Southeast Asia.

First observed in Virginia in 2011, Boxwood blight (Calonectria pseudonaviculata) is a serious fungal disease of boxwoods. Nurseries can prevent introduction by purchasing clean stock, routinely scouting for symptoms, and following cultural guidelines. This document has been prepared to guide nursery operators on the best practices for avoiding or managing boxwood blight in their operations.