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Airborne fungal spores land on buds to infest newly-emerging leaves in spring. The fungus feeds on the young leaves and affects their development so that they become distorted. The smaller leaf size makes them less efficient at making food

with myclobutanil or sulphur. Always check the label first if you're using these products on edible crops.shrubssummerMore common fungal infections Gooseberry mildewTomato leaf mouldMildew on cucurbitsGrey mould on soft fruits

The fungal spores that cause rust are spread on the wind, and they can survive over winter on the soil surface, on fallen debris and even objects such as fences and stakes. The symptoms spread in early summer from patches of orange on the stems

Rust is a fungal infection and there are many different types that tend to be specific to particular plants and spreads by means of dust-like spores. The fungus is encouraged by a humid, moist atmosphere and grows on the surface of the leaves

The fungus Rhytisma acerinum overwinters on fallen acer leaves, then infects the new spring foliage. The first signs are yellow leaf spots that turn into large shiny black blotches up to 1.5cm across. Severe cases can mean the leaves drop early, but the health of the tree won't s...

Just as your fruits are beginning to ripen, grey mould (a fungus called botrytis) can ruin them. Small brown spots form on the skin, then spread over the whole fruit, turning it soft and brown. As the fruit deteriorates, a fuzzy grey layer of mould develops. The spores produced b...

Most lily bulbs are sold in spring, although some, such as Lilium candidum, are sold in the autumn. This is a time when mould can thrive, so check them carefully when you buy to make sure there are no signs of it - an infected bulb can easily spread the fungus. Lily bulbs don't h...

The fungus that causes this problem spreads rapidly in the warm, humid conditions of a greenhouse. It usually becomes apparent on the lowest tomato leaves from early or midsummer, which develop yellow blotches on the upper leaf surface. The leaves eventually turn brown and wither...

on infected stems and branches. The most serious consequence of scab is reduced vigour of the trees caused by early leaf fall. This may limit the crop of fruit. The disease also causes scabs on the skins of fruit, although they are still edible. A preventative