Question
QUESTION: HI
We are only in our 2nd season at our new home and wondering if the soil has some disease.  My phlox (which did fine after we planted them last year) are starting to turn yellow at the base and the leaves are curling from the outer edges of the plant moving inward.  There is also some white foam randomly around the leaves.  Any idea what it might be and how we can treat it?  Otherwise the plants are healthy!  This is also slowly moving in on other plants in the yard.
Thank you,
Yvonne Hersey

ANSWER: Yvonne:
Hope your weather is cooler and wetter than we are here in Arkansas right now!

Does this "foam" look like and have the consistency of "spit/saliva" or is it more firm like shaving cream? Sending a photo may be helpful in an ID. Be sure your image is in focus by reviewing it on your computer first.
Steve

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1   QUESTION: Hi -
I've attached the pic I took of the foam on my plants. I don't think it's clear enough to really see what it looks like - it almost looks bubbly.  I hosed them all off last night and when I left for work this morning I noticed one plant had more foam on it!  I'm also going to reply again to send you a pic of what the leaves are doing.
Thanks,
Yvonne

ANSWER: Yvonne:
Using your computer, "Google Images" search Spittlebugs. These insects produce the bubbly foam. Compare photos with what you have.  I am quite sure that this is not a disease, but an insect.

Steve

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QUESTION: Yes, my husband loves weedkiller.  Maybe I should look to him for an answer on the yellow leaves?  :-)

Answer
Yvonne:
Thank You for your response. As I mentioned some types of weed killers can cause plant distortions like twisting and other significant deformities.  They belong to a group of weed killers(herbicides)called "growth regulators". Some plants are more sensitive than others. Tomato seems to be sensitive to many types of weed killers.

Have a great day. Enjoyed visiting with you and hope you get some warmer weather and I hope we get some rain and cooler temperatures.

Steve