Most troublesome UK plant disease identified

15:20 12th March 2010

The most problematic plant disease in the UK has been identified as the honey fungus after a study of the enquiries made to Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) members during 2009.

According to the organisation, the harms is caused by a range of Armallaria fungi and damages the roots of perennials and woody plants.

The disease topped a list of the five most common problems affecting British gardeners in the last year.

Another major problem was powdery mildews, which can be identified by a white, dusty coating on leaves, stems and flowers.

The issue is also caused by fungi and has caused UK gardeners no end of trouble over the past 12 months.

Fungal leaf spots, such as the rose black spot which damages hellebores, primulas and roses, also made it onto the list.

Meanwhile, the RHS revealed that the government has given the green light for a trial release of Japanese insects into the UK in an attempt to solve the Japanese knotweed problem.