Question
QUESTION: There are a white lumps with brown tips at one end that look like fungus about 1cm long on the back of the leaves and on the stalks of my Rhododendron although the plant seems to be healthy and has many flowers in pre full blossom stage at present. Could you tell me what this is and if it needs treatment. Thank You Jenny

ANSWER: Hi Jenny:
Can you send a closeup photo of these lumps on the back of an affected leaf? I do not have a clear idea of the appearance. I guess I am drawing a blank this morning- maybe too much coffee LOL.

Review your image on your computer first- to be sure it is in focus before sending.
Thanks
Steve

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------


PICT0041   QUESTION: Am Attaching a photo of  infected leaf. Thanks jenny

Answer
Jenny:
These white objects may be a type of scale insect. These critters make their living by sucking plant juices.  They should come off fairly easy with the flick of a fingernail. Your photo is a bit out of focus. Suggest collecting a couple of these leaves and showing them to your local garden center/nursery. There are several appropriate insecticides for scale insects, some that can be sprayed directly on the plant and other that can be applied to the soil and are taken up by the roots. Best to get a positive ID before selecting the appropriate material.

P.S. Hope your weather is better than ours. It has been hot (97-100F) and dry for the last 2 weeks with no immediate relief in sight.

Regards
Steve