Question
QUESTION: Hi Dr. Vann  I have a potted mulberry tree (probably came from one at the front of our house in Chicago).  Last summer the leaves got little white cottony patches which later turned into bumps on the leaves.  I'm sure the "bump" housed a developing bug.  I sprayed insecticidal soap on the leaves to no avail.  Whatever it was is back again this year.  I read a lot of answers referring to mealy bugs but none of the questions ever mentioned the bumps.  Any ideas?  Thanks

ANSWER: Rosalie:
Mealybugs are a type of scale insect.  They look like little raised cottony balls. Often found in the area where the leaf attaches to the stem. Insecticidal soap is good, but there are other insecticides out there. Check in with your local nursery or garden center.  You can always carry a few affected leaves w/you to be sure that you get the bug correctly ID'd.  This will help the person select the best material to use.  These critters can get on your tree from being outside.  Be sure to do all of your spraying outside.  If you have just a few on your mulberry, use a Q-tip dipped in rubbing alcohol and "dab" these to remove them from your plant.

Steve

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QUESTION: The cottony patches are on the underside of the leaf, then where ever that patch was there now is a corresponding bump
on the top of the leaf.  If these are mealy bugs, have yet to see a bug, is there a systemic that I can use?  But if these are not mealy bugs, what are they?  Thanks,
Rosalie

Answer
Rosalie:

Useful information to know.  Can you send me a closeup photo of the cottony patch on a leaf? Try to get as close as you can w/camera.  Take several, pick the best one.  Be sure to review your image first on your computer to be sure it is in focus before sending.
Thanks
Steve