What Is Wrong With My Fruitless White Mulberry?

Is there a white layer formed on the branches and nearby surfaces?

Are the leaves yellow, and the plant looks stunted?

Do the leaves have white, cottony clusters on them?

Are the leaves small, discolored, and drop early, clusters of honey-colored mushrooms may sprout at the base of the plant?

Are there any small, black angular spots or large, irregular brown spots on foliage?

Are there any discolored, sunken cankers on twigs, stems, and trunks; orange fruiting bodies may be present?

Glassy-winged sharpshooters drain white mulberry leaf fluids. The fluid waste they excrete dries to form a white layer on the branches and nearby surfaces. These bugs transmit the deadly Xylella fastidiosa bacteria. Organic insecticidal soap controls these pests, but complete control on large trees requires patience.

Yellow leaves and stunted look are caused by whiteflies. These tiny, mothlike flies and their larvae feed by sucking plant juices. Whiteflies secrete honeydew, a sugary substance that makes leaves sticky to the touch. Control whiteflies by eliminating garden weeds and by introducing green lacewings in the garden. Spray infested plants with insecticidal soap every 3 days for 2 weeks.

White, cottony clusters on leaves are caused by mealybugs. These tiny insects are covered with a fluffy white coating. They feed by sucking plants sap. They produce the sticky substance honeydew which makes leaves sticky. You can control them by washing them off the plant with water spray. Insecticidal soap should be used with severe infestations.

Armillaria root rot is a fungal disease that cannot be effectively controlled once it has become established. Diseased or dead plants should be uprooted and removed. Planting resistant rootstocks is the most effective method of preventing the disease.

Bacterial blight (caused by Pseudomonas syringae) Causes small, black angular spots or large, irregular brown spots on foliage. Branch cankers and brown streaks in the wood may also occur. The spread of the disease is greatest during humid, wet weather conditions. Practice good garden hygiene at the end of the season and discard, do not compost, possibly diseased plants and plant parts. Pull out and destroy infected plants.

Nectria canker on trees is a fungal infection. The pathogen known as nectria invades fresh wounds and damaged areas of bark and wood. Orange fruiting bodies appear during spring and summer. Nectria rarely kills older, established trees. There is no cure for nectria canker. Prevent it by avoiding pruning during wet conditions, and by protecting your trees from winter injury.

Poor growing conditions may have caused your fruitless white mulberry's unhealthy look. Too much nitrogen promotes soft, leafy vegetative growth. Excess irrigation can reduce blooms and encourage soft growth.