Scale Insects On Camellia

/Scale Insects On Camellia/

Scale Insects On Camellia

Scale insects form raised bumps on leaves and stems as they stick their beaks in to suck the life out of plants. They are not uncommon on holly, nor are aphids; they often coexist as the stressed plant suffers. As they feed, the leaves turn yellow and fall off. Start gaining control by spraying the plants thoroughly with a horticultural oil spray if it's possible to reach them. These oils are highly refined and will not burn if used as directed on the label. Spray the trunks and upper and lower leaf surfaces. This looks like a serious infestation so do consider also using a systemic insecticide to continue control this year. Keep fallen leaves raked up; water and fertilize as usual. The plants are tough; with your help, they'll shake it off and regrow at least a bit this season. .

By | 2016-04-04T23:39:55-07:00 April 4th, 2016|Shrubs|0 Comments
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Bacterial Leaf Spot Or Tomato Leaf Spot

This looks like its probably a leaf spot disease, either Bacterial or fungal Septoria leaf spot; both of them are spread by splashing water on leaves. We've included some web links about them for your reference, but the only way to ID plant disease for certain is to have a pathologist test the tissue. You can take samples of all affected plant parts (sealed in a bag) to your local Dept of Agriculture office and they will reply to you by mail. Provide them with as much info about the plant environment as possible. In the meantime, you may choose to remove the most affected leaves, and we recommend you review the info provided in the weblink about caring for tomato plants.
http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/PMG/GARDEN/VEGES/tomato.html

By | 2016-04-04T22:58:16-07:00 April 4th, 2016|Plant Diseases|0 Comments
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Boston Fern Problem

Your Boston Fern needs bright indirect light (not just artificial light), regular water but do not allow it to sit in water as this may lead to root rot and a slow release fertilizer formulated for container plants. Outdoors does very well in partial to full shade, but bring indoors if winter frost or hot dry heat is common. We think the most important problem is low light and low humidity. Also, keep the plant moist but not soggy and add fertilizer to the water monthly. Do not place near a heating or air conditioning vent. Can also set up a humidity tray - a saucer filled with gravel/decorative rocks, fill with water and set the plant on top of a brick so it is not in the water - this increases the humidity by about 70% around your plant. It works great!

By | 2016-04-04T20:11:10-07:00 April 4th, 2016|House Plants|0 Comments
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Flea Beetles

The leaf damage look like that inflicted by flea beetles (look for medium sized black beetles). They are a common pests of some garden and agricultural crop plants. On established plants, their damage is often minor and doesn't affect plant health, but on young seedlings like yours, they could be more dangerous. Insecticide treatments for flea beetle control vary with the species and the crop. We recommend you seek advice about control strategies that will work for you, if the number of beetles and their damage continues to increase. We've included some web-links with more info. You may also want to seek advice from your local university extension farm/home adviser, a Master Gardener group, or your local garden center professional. http://www.ext.colostate.edu/pubs/insect/05592.html

By | 2017-09-11T15:49:01-07:00 April 4th, 2016|Plant Pests|0 Comments
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Fremontodendron

Fremontodendron (Fremont's tree) was named for General Fremont, explorer of the West and twice presidential candidate. The General was much involved in the early history of California, and in his travels discovered Fremontia near Sacramento in 1846. This beautiful shrub is found from the Cascades to Baja and in Arizona. It is most at home on the dry, rocky hillsides of the eastern flank of the Sierra, where it grows unnoticed in the chaparral until it bursts into bloom, lining twigs and branches with brilliant 3 inch saucer-shaped waxy yellow "flowers," which are really sepals with dusky apricot backsides. The leaves are dull, hairy, triangularly lobed, sometimes irritating to the skin, and tough enough for the early settlers to use to pad their shoes.

By | 2016-04-04T15:33:28-07:00 April 4th, 2016|Trees|0 Comments
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Bacterial Speckspot

We're not absolutely positive on this so we're double checking with a tomato specialist. Will get back to you if we find out more. This might be bacterial spot, a disease that affects foliage in humid, wet growing seasons. It starts on the edge of the leaf, turns it white and then brown, and spreads inward, usually on new growth. To minimize spread, water early in the day with drip irrigation. Overhead watering may spread the disease by splashing pathogens. If disease is not extensive, snip off affected foliage and dispose in the trash. When more leaves are affected, cut off as much of the damage as you can and place the pots farther apart. The disease can spread on clippers and other tools, so prepare a solution of 1:10 bleach:water and dip your clipper in it between plants.

By | 2016-04-04T15:22:06-07:00 April 4th, 2016|Plant Diseases|0 Comments
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Squash Vine Borer

. Adult squash vine borers look a lot like black wasps with red markings they lay eggs along squash stems. When the eggs hatch, the larvae bore into the stems, killing the part of the vine above the entry point. It can be quite devastating. Remove and kill adults (pick them off and dump them in soapy water and search out and scrape off any eggs you can find that are already laid. Also watch for hatched larvae. Most damage occurs in July and August.

If the stem that's cracked wilts, it's probably the cause. Cut off the stem and look inside to find the larvae. Smash them! To read more about this pest and organic controls, go here: http://www.motherearthnews.com/organic-gardening/squash-vine-borer-control-zw0z1304zkin.aspx#axzz37mHeZ1ns

By | 2016-04-04T13:43:19-07:00 April 4th, 2016|Plant Pests|0 Comments
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Cactus Rot

This could be either a bacterial or fungal infection, not uncommon with cactus. This is very hard to treat and may be the demise of the plant. Since it is traveling from the bottom up, we suspect the roots of your cactus have already rotted, and it is just a matter of time for the rest of the plant to catch up. If you want to try to save it, follow the directions for potted canvas here: http://homeguides.sfgate.com/repair-cactus-root-rot-68177.html The rot you see here is caused by overwatering, possibly combined with a soil mix that is not porous enough--it should feel gritty when you rub some between your fingers. Also, there should never be any water left in the bottom of the saucer, as this will keep the soil soggy. We're sorry we couldn't give you good news.

By | 2016-04-04T13:17:28-07:00 April 4th, 2016|Plant Diseases|0 Comments
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Virginia Creeper

This appears to be Virginia Creeper, a deciduous and vigorous vine. One of its characteristics is having five leaflets (in most cases) that turn red and purple in late summer and autumn. Can grow in a variety of sun, partial sun, shade conditions and survives on moderate water. Following non-showy flowers, bears purplish-black berries on reddish-mahogany colored stems. A climber, it clings to support surfaces by suction disks at ends of tendrils. A good adage for this plant: "leaves of 3 let it be, leaves of 5 let it say alive" since it is often confused with poison ivy. It needs some control if you keep it around since it is a vigorous grower. Cut the vines and when they resprout, spray or paint the vulnerable new growth with an herbicide.

By | 2016-04-04T12:33:53-07:00 April 4th, 2016|Vine Plants|0 Comments
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Powdery Mildew On Roses

The plant is Photinia x fraseri. It is in the same plant family as Roses. This is likely a fungal disease called Powdery Mildew; one of the most common diseases of roses, peonies, phlox (and many other plants). Moderate temperatures of 60° to 80°F and shady conditions are the most favorable for powdery mildew development, and will spread. Roses do best in areas where there is full sun for 6-8 hours per day. The fungal spores are spread by wind. The good news is, you can manage this disease; sometimes fungicides are needed. Actinovate and Neem oil are two organic products that can help you with eliminating the fungus. Be sure to pick up any leaves and throw them out - do not put them in the compost pile. Also - do not water the leaves. Only water at the base of the plant.

By | 2016-04-04T12:14:23-07:00 April 4th, 2016|Plant Diseases|0 Comments
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