A:
There are those who suspect Wildflower Center volunteers are the culpable
and capable culprits. Yet, others think staff members play some, albeit small, role. You
can torture us with your plant questions, but we will never reveal the Green
Guru's secret identity.
Please forgive us, but Mr. Smarty Plants has been overwhelmed by a flood of mail and must take a break for awhile to catch up. We hope to be accepting new questions again soon. Thank you!
From:Chappells, SC Region: Southeast Topic: Pests, Vines Title: White sticky stuff on muscadine grape vines from Chappells SC Answered by: Barbara Medford
QUESTION:
Muscadine vine has white sticky substance on leaves and vines, what is it?
ANSWER:
This sounds like aphids. Read this article from the University of California Integrated Pest Management Series on Aphids. Particularly note this paragraph:
"Low to moderate numbers of leaf-feeding aphids aren't usually damaging in gardens or on trees. However, large populations can turn leaves yellow and stunt shoots; aphids can also produce large quantities of a sticky exudate known as honeydew, which often turns black with the growth of a sooty mold fungus. Some aphid species inject a toxin into plants, which causes leaves to curl and further distorts growth. A few species cause gall formations."
Aphids feed on the foliage and vines of grape plants, but more serious injury results from the infestation of the developing fruit clusters. Dry weather contributes to the growth of aphid populations.
The grapevine aphid (Figure 6) is usually not important enough to necessitate specific treatments. Good production practices result in grapevines that are of sufficient vigor to tolerate some attack by aphids. Aphids are attacked by predators like ladybird beetle adults and larvae, and lacewing larvae that regulate their population."
Identification of large egg-like objects on vines in Texas April 17, 2010 - This past weekend we were at our deer lease in Hext,TX. My children and I went exploring along the banks of the San Saba river and found what we originally thought were some type of turtle or turkey e... view the full question and answer
Need some information about wild native grapes in Gatlinburg, TN. August 13, 2010 - We have some wild grapevines growing on a southern exposure eroded bank. They are providing assistance in reducing erosion with rapid growth. Do these plants develop ground contact as they grow? In... view the full question and answer
Cottage-style landscaping for Chesapeake VA August 02, 2012 - Dear Mr. Smarty Plant staff,
I recently moved into a cottage style home that has a poured concrete/paver patio. I am trying to come up with ideas for plantings that would 1. give me a bit of privacy,... view the full question and answer
Plants for wall with afternoon sun in Oregon July 03, 2008 - Portland, Or. We have a stacked cement wall about 30 feet long that receives afternoon sun from the west. we would like to plant something edible along that wall that can tolerate afternoon sun. G... view the full question and answer
Vines for Poolsides February 22, 2012 - We would like some color along the pool, but do not want anything with flowers because of the pool. Are there any non-flowering vines that will grow in full sun in Arizona? We have 2 trelis' that we ... view the full question and answer
