skip to main content

Mystery Pest on Lilac Bush

7 years ago

last modified: 7 years ago

I adopted this sad little lilac tree from my neighbor and am trying to figure out why the leaves are turning yellow around the edges and have brown spots. I thought originally that it was some nutrient deficiency but I looked closely today and spotted signs of bugs. I couldn't get a clear photo of them because they are so small (less a millimeter in length). They appear to be thin, black and white bugs on the tops of the leaves. I also found signs of a nest.. I'm not sure if this is a separate problem because the eggs?? cocoons?? are so much bigger than the actual bugs. Also found traces of white residue on leaves that does not wipe off

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (4)

rhizo_1 (North AL) zone 7
7 years ago
Looks like marmorated stink bug eggs, but image really isn't close enough. The other issues will need to be photographed, too, if you want some suggestions.
Jeniel C thanked rhizo_1 (North AL) zone 7
Jeniel C
Original Author
7 years ago
rhizo_1, I have also posted two other photos below the first one showing the issues with the leaves.
Related Discussions
Mysterious dying rose bushes
Q
Comments (15)
Am so sorry to hear about your rose losses. Here are some thoughts that occurred to me: Have you sent in a soil sample for testing? In North Carolina it is free. Take several soil samples from top of ground to about 6 inches deep, mix in a clean container, and take about a cup and a half to your county agriculture agent to send in to be tested. This would give you a clear picture of your soil condition. Don't know what you deal with in Utah, but here we would have to suspect either root knot nematodes, voles, or something in the soil since you have ruled out spider mites. Also you may want to consult with the Master Gardeners in you area if you have them. In the Master Gardener course that I just completed, I learned that Round-Up vaporises when sprayed at temperatures above 90 degrees. Therefore it can travel to other plants rather than what they are intended for. It would seem unlikely that that many roses would be killed so quickly by Roundup. Are you near a place where agriculture chemicals are being sprayed? Another suggestion, check with American Rose Society to see if there is a Rosarian Consultant in your area. They would know local conditions and may be of help. Hope that your next rose venture will turn out better. Lynn
...See More
Need help diagnosing sick lilac bush
Q
Comments (7)
Seems like everyone has given up on this, but in my opinion, the roots have been smothered. Since all of the leaves are drooping but don't seem to be damaged, it isn't a pest. 80% of the time shrubs are planted too deep and while it may take two or three years to debilitate the plant, it's inevitable doom. Oxygen can't get to the roots and the plant slowly suffocates. Fortunately, Lilacs are deciduous so during their dormant period you can replant them higher -- about two inches higher than level grade. It won't hurt to cut the branches back about 1/3 at the same time. Once replanted, water deeply twice a week.
...See More
Help! What's wrong with my lilac?
Q
Comments (7)
your base problem.. is that you thought that a NEW TRANSPLANT.. would be vigorous and explode in growth .. all i expect the first year.. is for it not to die .. you water when it needs it.. and you find out by inserting your index finger.. or digging a small hole next the the part you planted.. and insuring that it is damp thru the whole root zone .. and then NOT watering again.. until it near dries.. NO GUESSING ... i would NEVER feed nor amend the soil on a new transplant.. IMHO.. lilac NEVER needs fert ... and you need a nice circle of mulch around it ... and in 40 years of owning lilac.. i never used a chemical nor bug solution ever.. the leaf damage looks mechanical.. not chewing.. shipping damage?? hail??? dog.. kids??? lilac also needs full sun .. is yours in full sun??? you are on the verge of trying to love it to death ... water PROPERLY.. and step away from it ... and forget about some special CO winter rules ... if properly watered.. and happy going into fall.. it should be bulletproof ... water deep into fall.. but do not allow it to freeze its roots in a manmade ice cube ... ken
...See More
virginia creeper, lilac and an un named tree/over grown bush
Q
Comments (6)
Virginia creeper is very easy to start from seed. There are berries on mine now, and when they've dried on the vine, I'll collect the berries and peel the berry off the seeds and wintersow them (see the wintersowing forum). The one time I tried to transplant several plants, they all wilted and died within hours, it seemed. Martha
...See More
kimmq
7 years ago
What is the soil like this Lilac is planted in?

Was this Lilac transplanted and when?

This article about environmental leaf scorch may be of some interest.

http://hyg.ipm.illinois.edu/pastpest/200412b.html

kimmq is kimmsr
ken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5
7 years ago
its a huge plant.. in a small pot... it needs to be planted ... and thereafter.. if not next year.. the leaf issues will go away ...

eggs or not.. i see no related leaf damage ... from bugs ...

no doubt.. the plant has been abused ... so be it ... minor leaf damage is a part of nature ...

my usual diatribe about the proper planting season for transplants simply does not apply to lilac ... plant it.. water it.. ignore it ... i once had a sucker i potted for 2 years to grow some roots.. completely forgot about it ... barely any soil. never watered ... and i planted it in august.. watered it once.. then forgot about it for 2 more years.. lol ...

needless to say.. it did not thrive.. lol.. but it didnt die ... so go at it ...

if the eggs bug you. pun intended.. snip off that leaf.. and crush it under foot ...

powdery mildew is not uncommon on lilac.. this time of year.. ignore it ... or spray with baking soda.. sure you can google that up .... though slathering on goos.. on an already stressed plant is not high in my book of things to do.. which brings me back to plant it.. water it.. ignore it ...

ken

Related Stories

INSPIRING GARDENS From Concrete Lot to Gracious Organic Garden in Seattle

By Kimberley Bryan

Plants, pests and even weeds have a place in this landscape, which offers an edible bounty and a feast for the eyes

LIFE True Confessions of a House Stalker

By Alison Hodgson

Letting go when a new owner dares to change a beloved house's look can be downright difficult. Has this ever happened to you?

GARDENING GUIDES Beautiful Flowers and Foliage From Dedicated Backyard Gardeners

By Stacy Briscoe

From lawn daisies to topiaries, Houzz users share their backyard beauties

GARDENING GUIDES Sweet Serendipity: Opening to Happy Garden Discoveries

By Jay Sifford Garden Design

Unplanned nature scenes can be unbelievably beautiful; you just need to know how to look

FLOWERS Herb Garden Essentials: Grow Your Own Fragrant Lavender

By Marianne Lipanovich

This do-it-all plant is ideal for almost any garden, and its uses are abundant around the home

LANDSCAPE DESIGN Dream Spaces: A Secret Garden of Your Own

Unleash your inner child and create space in your garden for whimsy and romance

GARDENING GUIDES Roses: Crowning Touch of Gardens

Whether you're the Miss or Mister America of gardening or take a hands-off approach, roses can be a winning addition to your landscape

GARDENING FOR BUTTERFLIES Be a Butterfly Savior — Garden for the Monarchs

By Benjamin Vogt / Monarch Gardens

Keep hope, beauty and kindness alive in the landscape by providing a refuge for these threatened enchanters

GARDENING GUIDES 10 Tips to Start a Garden — Can-Do Ideas for Beginners

By Alison Hodgson

Green up your landscape even if you're short on time, money and knowledge, with these manageable steps for first-time gardeners

WINTER GARDENING Pruning Secrets for Exquisite Roses

By Annie Thornton

Encourage gorgeous blooms year after year with this time-tested advice on how to prune your rosebush in winter for health and shape

Sponsored

More Discussions

Is this the Viburnum Beetle, or another insect?

3

Why is this one upper stem of my Dracaena shriveling?

4

Palm pest how to treat

3

What kind of slug is this?

7

is Yellow Stem around Roots Normal

11