What's this on my Betula nigra 'summer cascade'?

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dybbuk Niles, MI(Zone 5a) May 28, 2008

I have some thick, bumpy leaves with white powdery stuff on the underside. What is it? What should I do?

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Resin Northumberland, United Kingdom(Zone 9a) May 28, 2008

Probably eriophyid mite damage.

Resin

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dybbuk Niles, MI(Zone 5a) May 29, 2008

I just went and looked at it again and ants have arrived. They seem to be enjoying whatever it is so I assume I let them feast away.

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johnnyvino Salem, OR(Zone 5a) Jun 02, 2008

We've grown this at my nursery for several years in Oregon. There are 3 things we see in our stock plants. Nickle deficiency (Leaf shriveling and cupping), wooly aphid on occasion which will curl the leaves and leave the white stuff, and then the eriophyte mites that leave unmistakable blisters all over the surface of the leaves, but nothing else.

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rcn48 Lexington, VA(Zone 6a) Jun 05, 2008

dybbuk, photo is a little 'bright', but looks like the problems we're having this year with wooly aphids. We have a serious problem with a 40'-50' tall Betula nigra - dropping black sooty mold over everything in the surrounding area. The Hostas and other shade plants look pretty disgusting :( The ladybugs have moved in and are doing their job, but a little late to prevent the mess we're experiencing.

Johnny, nice pic... 'Shiloh Splash' ?

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dybbuk Niles, MI(Zone 5a) Jun 05, 2008

thanks for the input. i think you're right. ants are still busy on it but they don't seem to have finished the job. i've seen a few lady bugs around so maybe they'll take over. if not, is there anything i can do?

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ViburnumValley Scott County, KY(Zone 5b) Jun 06, 2008

Most treatments for aphids call for a blast with a water hose first to dislodge as many as possible. Then, insecticidal soap is the least toxic method that is effective to kill off the pesky aphids without creating a dead zone for too many other often beneficial insects.

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