I didn't notice until a week ago the white stuff growing on the stems. I decided to give it a week to see "what would happen." but I am afraid I was too late. Most of the leaves had turned brown. SInce it was a bush in a bad place for a bush, I went ahead and pulled it out. What is the white funk and do I need to worry about it spreading to other bushes? How can you control it if it does spread?
Thanks!
Tabitha
What is this bush killer?
That is scale - a very heavy infestation of scale. Scale is an insect that forms a protective layer over its body, and under this layer lays multitudes of eggs, which then go forth and procreate, forming more mature scales.
It can spread, so I would watch carefully for it. Some scales are quite selective with the plants that they will colonize, so you may or may not have a problem. But watch, and if you see anything, spray with a horticultural oil which can be purchased at box stores and nurseries. Cover the plant throughly - you are attempting to suffocate all of the crawlers - eggs which have hatched but have not yet formed that protective layer. You'll need to repeat in a week to 10 days. Not all of the eggs hatch at the same time...
Scale is not easy to get rid of, unfortunately.
Post a Reply to this Thread
More Garden Pests and Diseases Threads
-
Disease Identiciation on Red Twig Dogwood
started by roberca1
last post by roberca1Mar 09, 20242Mar 09, 2024 -
Something eating my bougainvillea
started by Duegen
last post by DuegenJan 04, 20240Jan 04, 2024 -
Something wrong with by Broccoli!
started by TGardener17
last post by TGardener17Apr 19, 20242Apr 19, 2024 -
Something eating my bougainvillea
started by Duegen
last post by DuegenMar 09, 20241Mar 09, 2024 -
Salvaging a fir tree from armillaria
started by kellogs
last post by kellogsMar 16, 20240Mar 16, 2024