Spotty Myrtle

These spots started to appear on my Myrtle about 3 months ago... they are NOT water droplets that have acted as a magnifying glass and 'burned' holes in the leaves (as has been suggested) as the spots also appear on the inside leaves that get no sun!...they may be insect caused? any ideas and how to make it stop.

Hey Tony
Not sure but it looks fungal to me. If it was only on new growth I would say it was varmit.

Mitch

From Kyoto, Japan

I agree about the fungal idea. The water spot thing is a myth.

Yes. It is a rust. I know little about myrtles, so cannot say which rust, but orange spots on leaves (and circular bulls eyes) are clear identifiers.

At least destroy every leaf, and do not allow water to get on the leaves. Segregate the plant from others, especially when you water as rust spores are often spread in water droplets.

Various fungicides attack rusts. Read the label.

JimLewis wrote:Yes. It is a rust. I know little about myrtles, so cannot say which rust, but orange spots on leaves (and circular bulls eyes) are clear identifiers.

At least destroy every leaf, and do not allow water to get on the leaves. Segregate the plant from others, especially when you water as rust spores are often spread in water droplets.

Various fungicides attack rusts. Read the label.

Gosh... thanks Jim... I must in effect defoliate the tree as they are on 90% of the tree!

As I say, I know little (read: nothing) about myrtles. If that would threaten the tree, or if this is a terrible time to do that, at least segregate the tree. The rust is unlikely to kill the tree.

Looks like a Fungal Spot, probobly peculiar to myrtus but looks similar to one that attacks azaleas and rhododendrons.
Can take over and defoliate tree for you! Best thing would be to thin out worst and keep on removing bad ones after that until it fades.Spraying would be a waste of time.
Also would keep away from any others if you have any.
Regards Nick