Impact

Although the disease primarily affects leaves and is often considered an aesthetic issue, in Serbia it significantly impacts commercial cherry laurel production in certain ornamental plant nurseries. The presence of shot holes reduces the likelihood that buyers will purchase affected plants. A similar impact may occur in other countries, particularly in ornamental nurseries where plants are not regularly treated with pesticides and are grown in proximity under mist irrigation systems, which increase humidity and favor the development and spread of the disease.

The disease is of particular concern in Serbia, as P. laurocerasus is a relict species endangered by extinction due to its limited population distribution. It occurs naturally only on the Ostrozub Mountain in southeastern Serbia, within cherry laurel–beech forests (Lauroceraso-Fagetum).