Do the leaves have holes?
Is there a white, sticky froth covering the insect eggs on twigs?
Are the older leaves turning yellow and wilting, an overall decline in plant vigor is apparent?
Are the leaves covered with small bumps?
Several species of leaf-feeding caterpillars will feed on the eastern redbud tree's leaves. They may also feed on stems, flowers, and fruit. Handpick and destroy caterpillars, or spray plants with BTK if caterpillars are feeding. Many foliage-feeding caterpillar populations are controlled by general predators, parasites, or naturally occurring viruses.
Treehoppers lay eggs under the bark of twigs. The insect itself is not seen but the white, sticky froth covering the eggs is quite noticeable. The insect is seldom serious. Use Horticultural Oil in a dormant spray dosage to control treehoppers. Horticultural Oil should be applied when the temperatures are between 35 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit.
These symptoms indicate fungal disease Verticillium wilt. Verticillium infects a wide range of plant species. Destroy all infected plants, as there is no cure. Prevent problems by presoaking seed in a 10 percent bleach solution.
Leaves covered by small bumps are caused by scales. These tiny, shelled insects often feed on the undersides of the leaves, causing an unhealthy appearance with yellowish blotches on the upper leaf surfaces. Scrape off minor infestations with your fingernail. Prune out badly infested growth, or use a soft brush and soapy water to gently scrub the scales off the stems. Control scales by spraying insecticidal oil during the growing season.
Twig dieback and trunk cankers damage and kill the cambium, which is responsible for tree growth. Vigorous trees may be able to tolerate multiple cankers for several years, but some infected trees rapidly decline and die within 1-2 years. Bark becomes discolored, then peels off to reveal blackened and cracked wood. The two diseases are often present together. Monitor trees for early signs of the diseases so that they can be caught early. Pruning infected branches, shoots, and flowering stalks can be somewhat effective at slowing the progression of the disease.
https://homeguides.sfgate.com/problems-eastern-redbud-35395.html
Wilen, C., Dimson, M., Plant and Pest Guide - Los Angeles State Historic Park, The University of California, Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources
Ellis, B. W., Bradley, F. M., & Atthowe, H. (1996). The Organic gardener's handbook of natural insect and disease control: a complete problem-solving guide to keeping your garden & yard healthy without chemicals. Emmaus, Pa.: Rodale Press.
Sreten null
Hi! I’m Sreten Filipović. I graduated from the Faculty of Agriculture at the University of Belgrade, with a master's degree in Environmental Protection in Agricultural Systems. I’ve worked as a researcher at Finland's Natural Resources Institute (LUKE) on a project aimed at adapting south-western Finland to drought episodes. I founded a consulting agency in the field of environment and agriculture to help farmers who want to implement the principles of sustainability on their farms. I’m also a founding member of the nonprofit organization Ecogenesis from Belgrade whose main goal is non-formal education on the environment and ecology. In my spare time, I like to write blog posts about sustainability, the environment, animal farming, horticulture, and plant protection. I’ve also published several science-fiction short stories.
You can find me on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/sreten-filipovi%C4%87-515aa5158/
