Plants often die in patches and the disease commonly produces circular patterns in the bed. Volutella blight is more severe in plantings weakened by winter injury, insect infestation, recent transplanting or shearing, drought, and exposure to full sun. To manage this disease, all plant debris and severely diseased plants should be removed and destroyed. Since Volutella blight is associated with plant stress, attempts should be made to control insect infestations and to maintain good growth and vigor by watering during periods of drought and by fertilizing in the spring. The planting should be thinned periodically to prevent dense growth and increase light and air circulation.
Fungicides can also supplement other control strategies.
Among the compounds registered for use in Connecticut are thiophanate-methyl, benomyl, chlorothalonil, and mancozeb. Consult the label for dosage rates and safety precautions. Plants can be sprayed when new growth starts in the spring and again 2-3 more times according to label directions to protect newly emerging tissues. Additional applications may be necessary during wet weather. For more information, see the fact sheet on Volutella Blight of Pachysandra.