Control of the important leaf and root diseases of pansy and viola

Produced all year round, pansies and violas are an important bedding plant species grown in the UK.  The information on these pages will help you to identify, prevent disease, and minimise potential losses for these crops.

This information was last updated in 2014.

A range of pany varieties are grown for commercial production.

Protect your crop

Several root and leaf diseases pose a threat to pansy and viola crops.

Recognising and understanding them can help you protect them from disease.

These crops are prone to pathogens including:

• Downy mildew
• Powdery mildew
• Leaf spot diseases
• A range of root and stem rots such as black root rot (Thielaviopsis basicola)
• Pythium and Phytophthora species.

The presence of any one of these pathogens could potentially render a crop unmarketable, or at the very least necessitate extra handling costs to replace diseased or dying plants by hand. It is important to take measures to protect your crop from them.

Downy mildew in pansy and viola

This common disease is also one of the most destructive. Learn how to control it in pansy and viola production.

Powdery mildew in pansy and viola

Although similarly named, it’s important not to get powdery mildew confused with downy mildew. The tactics for tackling the two are very different. Find out more on this page.

Ramularia leaf spot in pansy and viola

Learn more about the two forms of this disease which can spread rapidly through your crop. Find guidance on how to spot it and stop it.

Other leaf spot diseases of pansy and viola

A number of other leaf spot diseases can pose a threat to your crops. There are a variety of effective ways to keep your pansy and viola beds free from diseases.

Black root rot in pansy and viola

Root diseases can also put your pansy and viola plants at risk. Learn why hygiene is so vital for preventing black root rot.

Other root and stem rot diseases of pansy and viola

Along with black root rot several other pathogens can weaken and damage your seedlings’ roots. Find out more about the management of these diseases.

Disease management for pansy and viola

Learn about the elements you can implement to prevent and control outbreaks of serious diseases in your crops.