Aphids On Crepe Myrtles
Aphids can also gather in colonies on your crepe myrtles. When enough aphids are gathered together in a colony, the coloring becomes white and fluffy, almost resembling mealybugs.
The aphids suck the sap of the crepe myrtles, which can weaken the plant and cause slower growth and eventually death.
What to Do With Aphids Causing White Spots on Crepe Myrtles
To get rid of aphids, the most natural way is to encourage ladybugs to come to your garden. Ladybugs naturally feed on aphids.
However, posting a sign isnt enough. Its possible you have to take the situation into your own hands and spray your crepe myrtles with a weak soapy water solution.
The aphids will suffocate in the soapy residue and die.
Whats That White Stuff On My Crepe Myrtle
Steve Bender is an award-winning author, editor, columnist, and speaker with 38 years experience as Garden Editor, Senior Writer, and Editor-at-Large for Southern Living magazine. Known as The Grumpy Gardener, he shares his horticultural wisdom with with Southerners and garden enthusiasts across the country.
For years, Ive been railing against crepe murder that odious practice of chopping down crepe myrtles into ugly, thick stumps each spring and many of you have wisely listened. Some of you, however, persist in this cretinous pursuit and now youre paying the price. Not in just hideous, chopped trees. Youre seeing your crepes covered with this weird, white stuff. And its all your fault.
The weird, white stuff is a fungus called powdery mildew. Its spores are everywhere, but they dont germinate unless the conditions are right. And thats what crepe murderers have helped to do this year. FYI, there are lots of different kinds of powdery mildew and they attack many different plants bee balm, lilacs, euonymus, phlox, squash, roses, etc. But they all look pretty much the same a powdery white coating or spots on leaves, stems, and flower buds.
What Harm Does Powdery Mildew Do?
On older leaves, powdery mildew mainly forms whitish spots that lay on the leaf surface. In doing so, they interfere with , because the leaf surface theyre laying on cant get sunlight. They also produce heaps of mildew spores that go on to infect other leaves.
What’s That White Stuff On My Crepe Myrtle
Steve Bender is an award-winning author, editor, columnist, and speaker with 38 years experience as Garden Editor, Senior Writer, and Editor-at-Large for Southern Living magazine. Known as The Grumpy Gardener, he shares his horticultural wisdom with with Southerners and garden enthusiasts across the country.
For years, I’ve been railing against crepe murder — that odious practice of chopping down crepe myrtles into ugly, thick stumps each spring — and many of you have wisely listened. Some of you, however, persist in this cretinous pursuit and now you’re paying the price. Not in just hideous, chopped trees. You’re seeing your crepes covered with this weird, white stuff. And it’s all your fault.
The weird, white stuff is a fungus called powdery mildew. Its spores are everywhere, but they don’t germinate unless the conditions are right. And that’s what crepe murderers have helped to do this year. FYI, there are lots of different kinds of powdery mildew and they attack many different plants — bee balm, lilacs, euonymus, phlox, squash, roses, etc. But they all look pretty much the same — a powdery white coating or spots on leaves, stems, and flower buds.
What Harm Does Powdery Mildew Do?
On older leaves, powdery mildew mainly forms whitish spots that lay on the leaf surface. In doing so, they interfere with , because the leaf surface they’re laying on can’t get sunlight. They also produce heaps of mildew spores that go on to infect other leaves.
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What Is Powdery Mildew
Powdery mildew is a very common plant disease that affects virtually all kinds of plants, trees, and shrubs. Crape Myrtles are no exception, as powdery mildew is one of the most common problems these trees and shrubs face. The disease is caused by the presence of the fungus Erysiphe lagerstroemiae.
The fungus grows on the surfaces of the trees leaves, shoots, buds, and flowers. It has a powder-like appearance, giving it the name powdery mildew. Powdery mildew can usually be identified by its appearance alone. The result is patches or thin layers of white or grayish powdery growth.
Young plants are most susceptible to this fungus, as powdery mildew grows best on young Crape Myrtles. In some cases, the powdery mildew can cover all the plants new growth, causing severe damage to those areas. New growth affected by powdery mildew can be distorted, dwarfed, or completely covered with the fungus. Leaves that become infected typically die and drop off the Crape Myrtle sooner than the other healthy leaves.
Older or mature plants are less likely to be infected, but theyre not immune. Even mature plants can have their blooms stunted by powdery mildew. Fully coated buds or heavily infected flowers may not open, and other diseased areas can suffer stunted growth.
White Fungus On Crape Myrtles
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A white coating or white patches or spots on crape myrtles , U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 6 through 9, could be caused by powdery mildew, wood decay or possibly a pest infestation. These large flowering shrubs or trees are prone to developing powdery mildew, particularly when they’re growing in shady sites. On the other hand, if the trees are old or carry large wounds from heavy pruning or other types of injuries, the white fungus could be due to dying, decaying wood. Finally, clusters of crape myrtle bark scales, which are white or gray, could look like a fungal growth.
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Crepe Myrtle Fungus Home Remedy
Crepe myrtle fungus is a common problem that can be remedied with a few simple ingredients. The most important thing to remember when treating this fungus is to be patient and consistent. It may take several applications before you see results, but eventually the crepe myrtle will return to its healthy state.One home remedy for crepe myrtle fungus involves mixing one part milk with two parts water. This mixture should be applied to the affected areas of the plant using a spray bottle or cloth. Allow it to dry on the leaves for about 30 minutes before rinsing it off with clean water. Repeat this process every few days until the fungus clears up.Another option is to mix together equal parts baking soda and hydrogen peroxide. This mixture can also be sprayed onto the affected areas of the plant or applied with a cloth. Allow it to dry for 30 minutes before rinsing off with clean water. Again, repeat this process every few days until the fungus clears up completely.If you prefer, you can also use an organic fungicide such as neem oil or copper sulfate . These products are safe for both humans and animals, and they are effective at killing fungi without harming the plants themselves. Simply follow the instructions on the label for best results.Whichever method you choose, be sure to remain patient and consistent until the crepe myrtle fungus is gone for good!
Growers Ally Fungicide Concentrate
Growers Ally is undoubtedly the most eco-friendly item on my list. It is not only OMRI approved for organic use but also a FIFRA 25 exempted product. FIFRA 25 is a federal act & it declares that Growers Ally is safe for people & the environment. However, moving forward-
Active Ingredient
The chemical components are water, lactose, sodium acetate, sodium benzoate , potassium sorbate , ethyl lactate & Citric acid. Among these, Citric acid is the active ingredient. The remains boost up the action of Citric acid.
Now, Citric acid destroys fungi in several ways. Due to Citric acids low pH, the cell pH of fungi also gets lowered. Thus metabolic functions get suspended & cause death.
Another way is, Citric acid accumulates toxic ions that cause cell membrane disruption & death. And sometimes, fungi lose a lot of energy to balance the pH imbalance caused by the Citric acid & walk to death.
Mode of Action
Citric acid works as a contact fungicide. When it is applied, it comes into contact with the surface dwellers & kills them. Rather than getting absorbed, the chemical builds a shielding wall on the leaf surface that hinders fungus growth & spreading.
But, if the fungus is systemic & causes damages from inside, this item may not prevent it successfully. Thats why Growers Ally is trustworthy for preventive purposes.
Striking Properties
The fungicide is a yellowish acidic liquid that aids in growing healthier cannabis and hemp. It is very effective against powdery mildew.
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Honeydew Sets The Stage For Black Sooty Mold
In the case of the crepe myrtle aphid, that can be in the tree feeding on the leaves, but the excrements can be dropping onto a hibiscus under it.
As the crepe myrtle aphid is species-specific, the colony will not migrate to the hibiscus plant, but the hibiscus will still show the symptoms of an infestation.
Ant trails and the fungal growth of black sooty mold.
Even The Bark Is Beautiful On Profusely Blooming Crape Myrtle Trees Heres How To Take Care Of Them
Our most popular flowering tree, the crape myrtle, is typically hardy and low-maintenance.
- Advocate staff photo by MAX BECHERER
Image of Lagerstroemia indica Bashams Party Pink crape myrtle
Although native to eastern Asia, crape myrtles are indispensable in the Southern landscape. Its vibrantly colored flowers in shades of pink, purple, red and white from May to September virtually define the summer season here. The relatively small size of crape myrtle trees and long, colorful blooming season makes them useful in a variety of landscape situations.
With proper care, crape myrtles can remain healthy and attractive for decades. Problems arise occasionally, however, that may require some attention and care.
Crape myrtles shed their outer layer of bark, leaving different colors behind.
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Crepe Myrtle Turning Black With White Spots
If you have crepe myrtles in your landscape, you may have noticed that the leaves are turning black with white spots. While this may be alarming at first, its actually a very common issue that is easily fixed. Heres what you need to know about crepe myrtle leaf spot and how to treat it.What Is Crepe Myrtle Leaf Spot?Crepe myrtle leaf spot is caused by a fungus called Septoria musiva. This fungus infects the leaves of crepe myrtles, causing small black spots to form. The spots are often surrounded by a white halo, hence the name leaf spot. While leaf spot is unsightly, it doesnt typically harm the tree itself. However, heavy infections can cause premature leaf drop, which can stress the tree and make it more susceptible to other problems.How To Treat Crepe Myrtle Leaf SpotFortunately, treating crepe myrtle leaf spot is relatively simple. Start by raking up and disposing of any fallen leaves, as they can harbor the fungus and reinfect the tree next season. Then, prune away any heavily infected branches . Finally, apply a fungicide labeled for use on septoria leaf spot according to the manufacturers directions.
Ants Are A Garden Alarm
A colony of aphids will leave loads of excrement on the leaves. Ants seek out that as their food source. Ants cannot and do not pierce into the leaves of plants. They eat the honeydew.
The relationship between ants and aphids is symbiotic. They rely on each other for survival.
Ants need the honeydew for food. Aphids benefit from their protection.
If the colony of aphids is big enough for an ant colony to warrant protecting them, they will fight off ladybugs and even lacewings to secure their food supply.
As the ants do not eat aphids, and the honeydew gets dropped, it lands on any plants under the tree canopy.
A trail of ants can signal that there are aphids or another sap-sucking insect nearby.
Since ants feed on the honeydew and not the sap, there will be ant trails beneath aphid colonies.
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Sooty Mold On Crape Myrtle Trees
Crape myrtle trees are large shrubs or trees that are hardy in USDA hardiness zones 6 through 9 and flower in late summer, says the Missouri Botanical Garden. Aphids, scale insects, whiteflies and mealybugs commonly infest the trees and excrete the honeydew that feeds sooty mold fungi. Check for the pests on stems, stem tips, flower buds and the undersides of leaves. Aphids are tiny, soft-bodied insects that live in clusters scales look like small, flat, rounded shells whiteflies are tiny, white flies and mealybugs are small, white, segmented insects covered in a crumbly wax coating.
The sooty mold fungi can also grow on resin or sap that oozes from wounds in the stems or bark. If the black residue is coating only one area of your tree, check for a cut or gash, advises the University of California Integrated Pest Management Program. Sooty mold that has appeared due to a wound should stop growing when the wound heals.
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What Does Fungus Look Like On Crepe Myrtles
Fungus on crepe myrtles can come in many different shapes and sizes. The most common type of fungus is black sooty mold, which appears as a black, powdery substance on the leaves and stems of the plant. This mold is not harmful to the plant, but can be unsightly. Other types of fungus that may grow on crepe myrtles include white powdery mildew, leaf spot diseases, and stem rot. These diseases can be damaging to the plant if left untreated, so it is important to identify them early and take steps to control the spread of the fungus.
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Powdery Mildew On Crepe Myrtles
Powdery mildew is a fungus that spreads through spores carried by wind and water. When your crepe myrtle is planted in an area thats not well-ventilated, chances are the shrubs will become susceptible to fungal infection.
The powdery mildew can appear on your crepe myrtles in patches or spots, or it can also cover the leaves, flowers, and bark in a dense layer in an advanced infection.
What to Do With Powdery Mildew Causing White Spots on Crepe Myrtles
If your crepe myrtles have a coating of pale white to light gray spots or a dense film of white mold, you can save your plant by trimming away branches that have been severely infected.
Increase sun exposure by trimming away myrtles that have grown dense and bushy.
Water your myrtles during the first half of the day to ensure the leaves have time to dry off, as wet leaves and bark will create a natural breeding ground for the powdery mildew spores.
How Neem Oil Works
The neem oil disrupts the hormones of the insects preventingthem from molting and growing through their various stages. It also disruptstheir ability to lay eggs, therefore reproducing. I have also read that itmesses with their digestion, so they are sucking less on your plants.
Keep it mind it takes time, but only a few days depending onthe size of the infestation.
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Crepe Myrtle Aphids Treatment
Luckily, very few insects attack crepe myrtles, but they can cause serious problems when they do. According to experts at the Clemson University Cooperative Extensions Home and Garden Information Center, the most common is the crepe myrtle aphid, which is especially common in South Carolina.
Aphids secrete a sugary substance called honeydew on the leaves of the tree, which can thoroughly coat it. A particular type of black fungus feeds on the honeydew, and it can cover and then destroy the leaves. Without its leaves, the tree cant properly make food and will eventually die. If you have a bad infestation of crepe myrtle aphids, wash the honeydew and fungus from your plant using mild dish soap diluted in plenty of water.
However, because aphids are very difficult to control with insecticides, using one isnt a viable solution. The best way to protect against aphids is to attract their natural predators by cultivating plants they like. Natural predators of aphids include ladybugs, green lacewings and parasitic wasps. As unpleasant as some of these insects can be, they have their purposes. In addition to aphids, Japanese beetles can threaten crepe myrtles. The best way to deal with Japanese beetles is to set a trap. Just be sure you dont set it too close to your trees. Otherwise, you may accidentally draw the beetles in.
References
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How To Control Crapemyrtle Bark Scale
This article covers the topic of controlling Crapemyrtle bark scale.
There is a fairly new, serious threat to one of our favorite trees. Its even more serious than the unsightly and oft mentioned crape murder. As a reminder, crape murder is the extreme pruning of crapemyrtles that results in weakened and deformed trees. If you arent sure how to properly prune your crapemyrtles, check out this post. Okay, jumping off that soapbox, lets talk about the Crapemyrtle Bark Scale. It has been around the Southeast for years but this insect showed its destructive little head in Arkansas in 2014. Are we gonna just take this or are we gonna fight? We say fight!
*Pictures of Crapemyrtle Bark Scale were provided by the University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service.
Crapemyrtle Bark Scale is a small insect that appears as a white or gray felt-like encrustation. CMBS might be found anywhere on crapemyrtles, and often appears near pruning sites and branch crotches of more mature wood. Often times, the first sign of CMBS is the black sooty mold on the tree bark. This may be misleading since a more common and easy to control pest, aphids, can also cause sooty mold. Closely examine the affected areas to properly identify the pest. Bring us samples or images if you arent sure.
This tree is heavily infested with CMBS notice the gray and white insects all over and the black sooty mold covering the entire surface of the tree bark.
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