The leaves on hostas in my shade garden have died suddenly. What has happened?
Southern blight, a fungal disease caused by Sclerotium rolfsii, is a likely cause. An indication of this disease is a fanlike white veil of mycelial growth over affected leaves and the development of hard, reddish-brown, mustard seed-sized balls in the root zone soil. No effective treatment for this disease exists. Question: What is causing most leaves on my old hackberry tree to be covered on their undersides with little whitish, hard lumps? Answer: You have described nipple galls caused by attack of a psyllid, Pachypsylla celtidismamma. At least ten species of these related tiny insects, which resemble miniature cicadas, are known to attack hackberries. Other than premature leafdrop, they cause no permanent damage to their hosts. Thorough cleanup of fallen leaves helps to control next year’s infestation.
