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Over the past 15 years with an ever-increasing bearded iris collection, I have encountered several diseases in iris plants. This one is particularly stubborn and appears in hot, humid and rainy weather. It can be very destructive unless necessary steps are taken to control or, at least minimize it. This fungus is alternately called Mustard Seed Fungus because of its spherical shape and tan to brown color. In southern states it is sometimes called "Southern Blight". One of the first steps of prevention and elimination is good garden hygiene; removing all dead, dying and unattached leaves and debris from around the iris clumps and individual rhizomes. Often the small seed-like spheres can be seen near the neck of the rhizome inside the crease of outer dead leaves when pulled away from the plant. More detailed information will be added in the following entries as time and pictures become available.
Entries and Updates
Aug 13, 2006
This rhizome was injured while digging in wet, humid conditions. A few days later when I went back to the garden to retrieve it from among a pile of discarded leaves and debris, the evidence was overwhelming! This picture illustrates what the fungus looks like in its initial stage, and clearly shows the small spheres' formation within the damaged crevice along the rhizome.
Feb 22, 2008
Even now in the bitter cold of winter I get D-Mail requests for additional information about fungal problems. There is simply no "magic bullet" solution for this problem. However, I do find the Ortho product called Daconil very helpful in controlling leaf spot & mustard seed fungus. I cannot emphasize enough to fellow gardeners the importance of following instructions on any garden insecticide/fungicide product. Used carelessly they can be very harmful to gardeners & pets. With this said I find them helpful when used according to label directions. Below is a picture of Daconil that I use faithfully during hot, humid weather; especially in June, July & August.
Please note; this does nothing for bacterial leaf blight & soft rot.
