I. What is a Holly Leaf Miner? The Holly Leaf Miner, also known as Phytomyza ilicis, is a small fly that lays its eggs on the underside of holly leaves. The larvae hatch from these eggs and burrow into the leaf tissue, creating distinctive winding tunnels as they feed. These tunnels can cause significant damage … Read more
I. What are Spider Mites? Spider mites are tiny arachnids that belong to the family Tetranychidae. They are not insects, but rather closely related to spiders and ticks. These pests are known for their ability to infest a wide range of plants, including trees, shrubs, and crops. Spider mites are extremely small, measuring only about … Read more
What is the Oak Processionary Moth? The Oak Processionary Moth (Thaumetopoea processionea) is a species of moth that is native to southern Europe but has spread to other parts of the continent, including the United Kingdom. The caterpillars of this moth are known for their distinctive behavior of moving in a procession-like line, hence the … Read more
What is Western Gall Rust? Western Gall Rust is a fungal disease caused by the pathogen Endocronartium harknessii. It primarily affects pine trees in the western United States and Canada. The disease is characterized by the formation of galls on the branches and trunks of infected trees. These galls can vary in size and shape, … Read more
What is Mistletoe? Mistletoe is a parasitic plant that belongs to the family Santalaceae. It is characterized by its evergreen leaves and small, white berries. Mistletoe is commonly found growing on the branches of trees, where it obtains water and nutrients from its host plant. There are over 1,300 species of mistletoe worldwide, with the … Read more
I. What is Sclerotinia Rot? Sclerotinia rot, also known as white mold or cottony rot, is a fungal disease that affects a wide range of plants, including trees, vegetables, and ornamental plants. The disease is caused by the fungus Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, which produces hard, black resting structures called sclerotia. These sclerotia can survive in the … Read more
What are bud mites? Bud mites, also known as eriophyid mites, are tiny arachnids that belong to the Eriophyidae family. These microscopic pests are commonly found on a variety of trees, shrubs, and other plants. Bud mites are so small that they are often invisible to the naked eye, measuring only about 0.1 to 0.5 … Read more
What is Boxwood Blight? Boxwood Blight, also known as box blight, is a fungal disease that affects boxwood plants. The disease is caused by the fungus Calonectria pseudonaviculata (syn. Cylindrocladium buxicola) and can lead to severe damage and even death of infected plants. Boxwood Blight was first identified in the United Kingdom in the mid-1990s … Read more
What is Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus? Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus (TSWV) is a plant pathogenic virus that affects a wide range of plants, including trees. It is a member of the genus Tospovirus and is transmitted by thrips, tiny insects that feed on plant sap. TSWV can cause significant damage to trees, leading to reduced … Read more
What is Heart Rot? Heart rot is a type of fungal disease that affects trees, causing decay in the center of the trunk and branches. The decay is caused by various types of fungi that enter the tree through wounds or openings in the bark. As the fungi grow and spread, they break down the … Read more