Abstract

ABSTRACT

HERMS, DANIEL and T.D. SYDNOR. 1982. Suggestions for dealing with common tree maintenance problems. Am. Nurseryman 156(8): 69-75.

Disease diagnosis requires a number of skills, artistic as well as scientific. The diagnostic process is broken down into three stages: (1) perceiving the problem, (2) determining the causes (in nature, there are always several associated causes), and (3) deciding on a treatment (problems with multiple causes present multiple alternatives). The successful diagnostician must order his thinking and stay on track. It is helpful to formulate a series of questions, such as the following: 1) is the problem infectious or noninfectious, 2) what stresses are involved, 3) are the stresses acute or chronic? If the problem is infectious, what are the nature and cycle of the pest; 4) how long has the problem been present, 5) what are all possible management decisions, and 6) what management decisions should be carried out now? Plant disease clinics and soil laboratories can be useful diagnostic aids, but it is important that complete information be supplied with each specimen.