Mystery Pest on Lilac Bush

10 years ago

last modified: 10 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
10 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
10 years ago
rhizo_1, I have also posted two other photos below the first one showing the issues with the leaves.
Related Professionals
Fayetteville Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · North Adams Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Buffalo Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Kahului Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Sanford Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Albany Landscape Contractors · Branson Landscape Contractors · Rutland Landscape Contractors · San Bernardino Landscape Contractors · San Francisco Landscape Contractors · Jackson Kitchen Remodelers · Bartlesville Kitchen Remodelers · Nashville Kitchen Remodelers · Marinette Kitchen Remodelers · Stockton Kitchen Remodelers
kimmq
10 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
10 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