The lack of soil moisture due to droughts can affect the availability of these nutrients although there may be adequate levels in the soil. During dew periods and other sporadic moisture periods, nutrient deficient plants can become infected and disease can develop. These leaf-spotting disease fungi can reduce hay quality. The damage is many times not realized immediately but may take four to six months before symptoms occur. This stress and drought damage may make the plant more susceptible to dieback diseases caused by a number of fungi.
Chemical control is limited and back to the basics management is recommended.
Provide adequate irrigation for the plant. Prune properly to remove damaged limbs if dieback occurs. Slime flux is common following periods of drought. In most cases the flux is noticed the spring following the drought. Damage is caused by the drought stress and bacteria and yeast infect the cambium feeding on the carbohydrates in the sap.