What Is Wrong With My Drumstick Tree?

Does the trunk or the branches have sunken lesions on them?

Are the leaves yellowing, wilting and, dying?

Do the stems have small entry holes, limbs die, or break off, leaves are yellow?

Are there singular, or closely grouped circular to irregularly shaped holes in the foliage?

Are the leaves curled and distorted?

Do the leaves have holes?

Sunken lesions are caused by canker disease. Several culprits can be identified for this issue, including bacteria, frost, or fungi. Prune out and destroy dead branches and infested areas. Be sure to make pruning cuts at least 3 or 4 inches below the canker and disinfect pruners between cuts. Spray both the healthy and diseased sections of a tree with Liquid Copper during and shortly after periods of excessive rain.

Yellow leaves that wilt and die usually indicate Root rot. Several pathogens cause root rots of seedlings as well as mature plants. Poorly drained, overly wet soil promotes rot so choose well-drained sites and add organic matter to improve drainage. Remove and destroy infected plants. Solarize the soil before replanting.

Stem borers are known to cause problems for drumstick trees. The adult beetle will lay its eggs on a healthy twig. Once hatched, the larvae bore into the stem and eat the center. Leaves will yellow and the branch will die. Cut off impacted branches well below the damaged portion and burn them or destroy them rather than composting. Regular pruning can reduce stem borer damage.

Armyworm is known to cause damage to drumstick trees. This insect can go through 3–5 generations a year. Organic methods of controlling armyworms include biological control by natural enemies that parasitize the larvae and the application of BTK spray (Bacillus thuringiensis).

Distorted and curled leaves are caused by aphids. These tiny insects cluster under leaves and on growing tips where they feed on plant sap. Leaves, stems, and buds get distorted and later leaves and flowers drop from the plant. You can control them by washing them off the plant with water spray. Insecticidal soap should be used with severe infestations.

Various caterpillars will feed on drumstick tree leaves. Handpick and destroy caterpillars, or spray plants with BTK if caterpillars are feeding.

Fruit flies may be attracted to the flowers and seed pods. Yellow sticky traps will help identify this annoyance. Keep the area around the tree free of debris and harvest young pods promptly to prevent them from sticking around.