Sawdust-like substance on everything! - Ask Extension
I am seeing a white substance that looks like sawdust on the leafs of everything from the bee balm by the house and the tomato leafs in the vegetable ...
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Sawdust-like substance on everything! #870255
Asked May 27, 2024, 11:35 AM EDT
I am seeing a white substance that looks like sawdust on the leafs of everything from the bee balm by the house and the tomato leafs in the vegetable garden out in the woods, on the leafs of the hydrangea tree - even on weeds! Can you tell me what it is?
It wipes off easily, doesn't seem to be a fungus or insects or residue from insects, at least I'm hoping. Is it some kind of pollen? Does it have something to do with the insane spongy moth caterpillar infestation that's eating all my rose and peony buds and defoliating my fruit trees?
Ulster County New York
Expert Response
Good morning,
Based on the information given, I don't think this is connected to the current spongy moth caterpillar infestation. My first guess from the pictures is pollen, as you suggested. Otherwise, there is a possibility that it is related to carpenter bee damage. Are the leaves close to any wooden structures? Carpenter bee damage can create fine sawdust.
Thank you for contacting the Ulster County Cooperative Extension.
Master Gardener Peggy
Hi Peggy - it was all over the place, not just near wooden structures. I'm reasonably sure it was pollen. I was thrown off by the color, as I'd expect pollen to be a yellowish-green, but I later also noticed pollen on the cars...
