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Symptoms are very similar and control measures are somewhat alike.
Distinguishing the two diseases is not always easy, but control is basically the same. Look for common symptoms of the fungal disease on the foliage and stem. When the disease attacks the lower stem, black lesions several inches long appear and the shoots then collapse. In severe cases, the disease may invade the entire crown of the plant. The disease is usually more severe in cool springs, but very wet conditions are even more favorable.