Diseases of narcissus: leaf scorch, smoulder and white mould

Discover the diseases affecting narcissus and the damage they can cause. Plus, learn what you can do to control them using an integrated management programme.

The information was last updated in 2016.

Counting the cost of narcissus diseases

The farm gate value of the UK narcissus industry is estimated to be in excess of £30million, with exports of bulbs and flowers worth over £20million annually to the economy.

Over the last 30 years, smoulder has become a more significant disease and is estimated by the industry to cause a consistent loss of bulb yield of about 10%. The disease occurs in all the major narcissus growing areas, although it tends to be most troublesome in eastern counties.

White mould is now present in all major narcissus growing areas and epidemic attacks occur in some years. Leaf scorch is a significant problem attacking Tazetta cultivars on the Scilly Isles where the early narcissus flower industry is a major contributor to the local economy. It occurs occasionally elsewhere.

Narcissus leaf scorch: Symptoms, spread and disease development

Leaf scorch loves the mild wet weather of Southwest England. Understand how to spot the symptoms and stop the disease in its tracks.

Narcissus smoulder: Symptoms, spread and disease development

Discover how to identify and tackle this common fungal infection that can damage your crop.

Narcissus white mould: Symptoms, spread and disease development

White mould is another fungal infection that is frequently found wherever narcissus is grown. Understand how to recognise the symptoms and take measures to remove or reduce incidence of the disease on your nursery.

Other foliar disorders and fungal diseases of narcissus

There are many foliar disorders and fungal diseases that can blight your narcissus crops. Find out how to deal with a host of threats.

Integrated disease management for narcissus

Adopting the right approach to managing the main diseases affecting narcissus not only protects your crops, it can also improve your harvest.

Fungicides for narcissus disease management

Understand when and how to use fungicides to prevent and control narcissus diseases.

Authors

This information was orignally authored by Tim O’Neill and Sarah Mayne, ADAS.