My Ficus Is Dropping Yellow Leaves

Identification

• Ficus plant are likely to get infected with the armillaria root rot disease caused by Armillaria mellea. The disease is also referred to as oak root or shoestring fungus.

Damage

• Armillaria fungus is a root disease that affects the main roots of plants. Initial symptoms include discolored and stunted foliage accompanied by premature leaf drop. As disease progresses, branch dieback occurs. Mushrooms often grow on the base of the tree along with the growth of dark structures on roots.

Management

• Plant resistant species and avoid planting in areas with known cases of armillaria. Clear soil of older roots as the fungus in older roots can infect new plants. The University of California Extension recommends air drying the soil before planting.