Dr. Phyto

globe artichoke

Cynara scolymus

Diseases & pests on this plant

• artichoke aphidCapitophorus elaeagni

  Dense colonies of pale-green aphids in artichoke head bracts (very visible + objectionable for market), sticky honeydew on lower leaves + heads, sooty mould develops on honeydew downgrading appearance further, plant vigour reduced in heavy infestations, virus transmission a secondary concern.

• Ramularia leaf spot of artichokeRamularia cynarae

  Small (3-8mm) angular brown-grey leaf spots with yellow halos, white powdery sporulation on lesion undersides in moist conditions, severe infection causes premature senescence of outer leaves, head quality reduced + bract discoloration in heavy attacks.

• sclerotinia stem rotSclerotinia sclerotiorum

  White cottony growth on stems at flowering height, stems split open to show black sclerotia (1–5 mm) embedded in pith, premature ripening of affected plants.

• olive Verticillium wiltVerticillium dahliae

  Half a tree wilting in summer while the other half stays green, blackish discoloration in cross-section of affected wood, partial recovery in winter then relapse, dieback over 2–4 seasons.