• Doublefile viburnum (Viburnum plicatum var. tomentosum) is a large sized shrub or small tree which grows to a mature height of 8 to 10 feet with a 9 to 12 feet spread. Doublefile viburnum is popular for use as an ornamental in landscapes and has tier-like, horizontal branch growth. The plant blooms with lacecap white flower clusters during spring and bears clusters of red fruit in the summer. Doublefile viburnum is a native of Japan and China and is susceptible to a number of fungal diseases and borers.
  
  

Dieback/Canker

• Dieback canker on doublefile viburnum is the result of a number of opportunistic fungi including Nectria spp., Phomopsis spp., and Tubercularia spp. The fungi commonly infect stressed plant tissue and can cause serious damage. Dieback/canker is characterized by browning foliage and the appearance of cankers on stems and twigs. As the disease progresses, the larger portions of the plant are destroyed. Plants that are already stressed and infected with pests and diseases are more likely to get dieback/canker. If the growing conditions are right for the fungi, the entire plant is likely to be killed. Preventative measures include ensuring plants are healthy. Fungicidal control options include the use of fungicides with thiophanate-methyl or azoxystrobin as active ingredients.
  
  

Gray Mold

• Gray mold is a fungal disease caused by Botrytis cinerea and related species. The fungus commonly lives on dead plant tissue and then spreads into weaker areas of the plant. Often the fungus infects the tree through wounds, and infection is characterized by browning, withering and dying of twigs, flowers and foliage. In later stages, gray mold leads to gummosis, the rotting of fruit and a gray fungus-like growth on diseased plant parts. Gray mold is common in wet and cold weather and is not active during dry and hot weather. Best prevention is to make sure plants are not kept overly wet or dry and are planted in areas of ample sun and air circulation. Fungicidal controls are not very effective, since the fungus can infect plants through spores carried on the wind.
  
  

Verticillium Wilt

• The fungal disease verticillium wilt in doublefile viburnum trees is the result of Verticillium albo-atrum and V. dahlia. The fungi have a large range of host plants. Earliest symptoms include curling, wilting and yellowing of leaves. The foliage veins turn reddish, and there is excessive defoliation. Verticillium wilt infects the roots first and then moves upwards. The sapwood of the plant is also discolored in the more advanced stages of infection. Preventative measures include the use of resistant plant varieties and maintaining plant health with proper cultural practices. During the earliest indication of disease, plants need to be watered and fertilized. There are no chemical control methods for the disease.