What Is Wrong With My Pyracantha?

Are the leaves, stems, and buds distorted and sticky?

Are the leaves pale and mottled?

Are the leaves stippled, covered with fine webbing?

Is the foliage covered with small bumps, cottony masses may be present?

Are the leaves covered with white powder?

Are there any yellow and wilting leaves, brown streaks appear on a lower surface of leaves, the growth is stunted?

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

Are there any velvety, olive-green spots formed on all plant parts?

Did the flowers and leaves suddenly blackened, and the tips of growing shoots bend over?

Do the leaves have spots or blotches?

Distorted stems, buds, and leaves are caused by aphids. These tiny insects can vary in color, green, pink, black, gray to completely white. They 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.

Lace bugs are flat, dark-colored insects with lacelike wings that feed on the undersides of leaves. They cause leaves to turn yellow, then brown, and eventually die. Treat plants with a commercial pyrethrin spray or dust if the damage is severe. Prevent problems by covering plants with row cover until they blossom.

Leaves stippled with yellow and webbed foliage is caused by spider mites. These tiny, spider-like pests feed by sucking sap from the underside of the plant's leaves causing yellow flecking on the upper leaf surfaces. You can control spider mites by spraying plants thoroughly with water 2-3 times a day for several days. For severe infestations, spray plants with insecticidal soap, or pyrethrin as a last resort.

White, cottony masses, or brownish bumps on foliage and stems 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.

White, powdery patches on the leaves are caused by a fungal disease Powdery mildew. Powdery mildew usually appears in damp places. Encourage good air circulation around the affected plants by thining them and any surrounding plants. Water plants from below to keep foliage dry. Any affected leaves should be cut off and removed. Any commercial fungicidal spray will protect your plant from further infections.

Fusarium wilt is a fungal disease that causes these symptoms. High soil temperatures favor the disease emergence. Use only disease-free seed. Treat seeds with hot water to kill fungi before planting. Destroy affected plants at the first sign of fusarium. Rotate crops to non-susceptible species.

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.

Scab causes velvety, olive-green spots to form on all plant parts. Leaves and fruit fall prematurely. Avoid using sprinkler irrigation. Apply a fungicide in the spring and at regular intervals until the weather dries.

These symptoms indicate a bacterial disease Fire blight. Control fire blight during the growing season by pruning off branches a foot below infected sections. Between each cut, dip pruning shears into isopropyl alcohol or a 10 percent bleach solution to prevent spreading the disease as you prune.

Your plants are suffering from fungal leaf spot. These can come from several fungi. Spots may enlarge rapidly, especially in wet weather. Destroy infected leaves or plants. Spray plants with sulfur to prevent the disease from spreading, especially if the weather is wet. Spray between rains. Prevent problems by thinning plants to provide good air circulation. Fallen leaves and debris should be removed promptly to avoid spreading the disease.

If much foliage has been eaten starting from the top of the tree down the culprits are caterpillars of the White-Marked Tussock moth. Control their numbers by scraping off and destroying patches of their eggs when you see them. With serious infestations, you'll have to use insecticides.