Question
white foamy hard stuff
I believe my tree is a virginia pine. White stuff shown in picture has developed in spots up to about 7 ft high on the trunk. What is it? What should I do to treat it? Thanks
AnswerHi Carol Damage - Spittlebugs feed by sucking plant sap. Heavy infestations can cause yellowing and stunting of new growth. Dieback of plant tips rarely occurs.
Life History and Habits - Spittlebugs usually spend the winter as eggs laid in dead woody tissue or just under the bark of twigs in July and August. Overwintering eggs hatch in the spring (April or May), and the young nymphs feed on twigs. While feeding, nymphs produce a droplet of clear fluid which surrounds their bodies, bubbles of air are incorporated into the fluid, giving rise to the characteristic spittle mass. The size of the spittle mass depends upon the size and number of nymphs congregating at the same feeding site. Nymphs move often and form new spittle masses at each stop. Older nymphs migrate to the trunk where there may be many in a single mass. When full grown, they move back to the needles and transform into adults, which are usually numerous in July and August. They feed without producing spittle masses. There is normally only one generation per year.
Control - Spittlebugs are often controlled by applications for tip moths or other pests. Spittle masses are striking and obvious. The insects can be controlled with various insecticides when masses appear.
Now being an organic grower I would suggest that you try Atomic Grow that will bring your plant back to health, rather than the poison route. I have seen this product do wonders, kathy
