Kabatina Tip Blight

Body

Kabatina juniperi kills juniper tissue that is at least one year old. This fungus seems to be unable to attack through healthy tissue. Instead, it is believed to enter various types of wounds (e.g., due to insects, mechanical or weather related). Symptoms are similar to Phomopsis Blight. It takes microscopic inspection to separate the spores of Kabatina from Phomopsis. However, the two diseases can be easily separated by where on the plant the canker is located. If the canker is on the new season's growth it is Phomopsis. If it is on last year's growth (one year old) then it is Kabatina.

Management

Management is to keep plants healthy and avoid injury as much as possible. Prune out all dead and dying stems/twigs. There are no effective fungicide controls. Resistant varieties are available.