Question

BRC 1  

BRC2   Dr. Vann,

I have some new Brazilian Red Cloaks, on one of them is dropping low lying branches.  The branches on all of them are pretty tender, and easily snapped off (I thought perhaps a raccoon or some other critter may have brushed against it), but I have 3 more in the last couple of days, just snapped off where they meet the main trunk.  It looks like there may be some type of white fungus on that plant, and I wondered if that was the cause.  I've attached a couple of pictures.

Sherry

p.s.  I also have been fighting snails on these plants for weeks - beer baits, snail baits, copper tape, etc.  I'm losing the battle.

Answer
Sherry:
From your images, I do not see any evidence of disease activity. How do the leaves look on the twigs that snap off? On some plants, this may be a characteristic for the plant, rather than a pest issue.  Contact your local nursery/garden center on wheather or not this is the case.

Not sure how effective the baits are.  There are a number of products out there that can be poisionous to them. Check also at your local garden center. You may also try putting pine cones around the main stem.  The sharp edges may be a deterrent.

Regards

Steve