Stigmina carpophila, also known as Coryneum blight or shot hole disease, is a fungal pathogen that primarily affects stone fruit trees, including Prunus laurocerasus (cherry laurel). Here is an overview of its characteristics, life cycle, host plants, and management strategies:

Biological Characteristics and Life Cycle

• Pathogen: Stigmina carpophila (previously known as Coryneum beijerinckii) is a fungus that causes small, round lesions on leaves, fruit, and twigs, giving it the appearance of a “shot hole” effect when infected tissue drops out.
• Life Cycle: The fungus overwinters in infected twigs and buds, becoming active during wet, warm spring conditions. Spores are spread by splashing rain, wind, and sometimes by pruning tools. Infection is favored by high humidity and warm temperatures (generally between 15-25°C).
• Symptoms: Small purple or brown spots on leaves that later develop into holes as dead tissue drops out; similar lesions can appear on fruits and twigs, leading to dieback in severe cases.

Host Plants

• Primary Hosts: Stigmina carpophila mainly infects species in the Prunus genus, including cherries, peaches, apricots, plums, and Prunus laurocerasus (cherry laurel).

Control Methods

Preventive Control

Curative Control

By combining preventive cultural practices with timely fungicide applications, you can effectively manage shot hole disease and reduce its impact on Prunus laurocerasus and other susceptible plants.