Lilac turning brown and losing its leaves

[afmax]

I have a 9-year-old lilac bush that has done well up until about 2 weeks ago. The bush bloomed beautifully this spring, but recently, the leaves started drying up an falling off. At first the leaves turned slightly yellow and curled a bit, then many of them developed dark brown splotches. Then the leaves started falling off as if it were October instead of July. Over the last few days, the leaves on one side of the plant (about a third of the plant) have dried up and turned a light brown color making that part of the plant look dead. The plant has lost over half its leaves, and they're still falling.

We had a very wet spring here, but it's been very dry for the last three weeks. The lilac is getting watered once a week with about 1" of water.

Can anyone tell me what is going on with this plant and offer any suggestions for saving it?

Thanks.

[afmax]

Here are some pictures of the lilac I described earlier:

[img]https://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff186/afmager/Lilac1.jpg[/img]
[img]https://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff186/afmager/Lilac2.jpg[/img]
[img]https://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff186/afmager/Lilac3.jpg[/img]
[img]https://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff186/afmager/Lilac4.jpg[/img]

[luis_pr]

I have heard of lilac blight but have never seen pictures of it. Your description made me wonder if this could be it. If no else chimes in soon, take the pictures and a few sample leaves in a sealed plastic envelope to a local nursery or, better yet, an extension service office if you have a nearby one. They should be able to identify it. Its treatment involves pruning and destroying the affected areas. A bacteria causes that problem and wet weather helps it "bloom".

See below:
https://plantclinic.cornell.edu/FactSheets/LilacBactBlight/lilacbactblight.htm

[BAKCanada]

Many of us in town (central Ontario area) are experiencing the same problem with our lilacs - not all of the lilacs in town, but many. It began a few weeks ago when the weather became warmer and drier after a very wet and cold start to summer.

Please let us know if you found a reason for the browning of leaves and if there is any action we should be taking.

We've only heard so far, "Don't worry, lilacs are hearty..."

Thanks for your posting!