First Report of Phytophthora nicotianae causing leaf necrosis on Magnolia ‘Butterflies’ in a Virginia ornamental plant nursery

Magnolia ‘Butterflies’ is a deciduous hybrid cultivar resulting from a cross between M. acuminata and M. denudata. It is a pyramidal ornamental tree or multi-stemmed shrub that grows well in USDA hardiness zones 5 to 9, with fragrant, canary yellow flowers. On 06 July 2021, during a survey at a Fairfax County, VA ornamental plant nursery, six out of 11 plants in 18.9-liter pots exhibited leaf necrosis and premature senescence on the lower branches.