Disease: Impatiens necrotic spotPathogen: Impatiens necrotic spot virus (INSV)Host: New Guinea impatiens; Impatiens hybrids
The necrotic (dead) areas, stunting, mottling, and distortion seen on this New Guinea impatiens are symptoms of infection by Impatiens necrotic spot virus (INSV). Virus-infected plants or plants infected with other diseases can serve as an initial source of inoculum to spread plant disease in home gardens. Careful examination of plants before purchase for home use promotes the exclusion of infected plants such as this impatiens and is the first defense against plant disease in the home garden.
Image courtesy M. Daughtrey from the APS Compendium of Flowering Potted Plant Diseases.