Speaker: Luisa Santamaria, Ph.D., Professor, Extension Plant Pathologist, Oregon State University

Boxwood plants, which are widely utilized in gardening and landscaping, are seriously threatened by boxwood blight, which is caused by the fungus Calonectria pseudonaviculata. For disease management, prompt detection and efficient monitoring are essential. With the intention of improving the effectiveness of boxwood blight detection, this talk explores important aspects to consider while monitoring. We investigate ways to improve observation methods by looking at symptomatology, cultural practices, and environmental factors. In the end, an effective boxwood blight scouting strategy will help with the early diagnosis, mitigation, and preservation of boxwood landscapes as well as the production of healthy plants.