Is the bamboo suffering in any way, except that you can see "small black things"? Bamboo does not typically acquire most plant diseases. There are a few things that can hurt the leaf appearance, but it's not clear what's going on from your limited description. Can you provide photos and/or more description?

Yes, it was the most prominent on the first shoot and the small branches lost leaves and turned to wood. I will definitely get the camera on "close up" and try to get some pics.

Well, that's definitely something to deal with. Pictures will help.

I believe that it was actually mealies,but there is one new culm coming up, so I think if I can get this under control it will be okay. I ended up getting a Bayer systemic and dosed yesterday. Hopefully this will help.

Another question kudzu, My textilis is giong nuts, but the Sunburst has been slow from the start, is this a slow bamboo? Or does it just not like me?

That's not a bamboo that I grow, so I can't give you advice on its growth habits. However, in general, many bamboo take a couple of years to get situated and begin a growth spurt.

You probably have bamboo mealybugs. They can be difficult to get rid of. One of the best insecticides for control is Bayer Advanced Tree & Shrub Insect Control. It is a systemic that you pour on the roots and will give 12-month protection. I had bamboo mealybugs on a few different species a few years ago and it worked great. Sunburst is a fast growing bamboo; yours probably hasn't acclimated yet and the mealybugs probably aren't helping.

David