Knowledgebase

pest identification #870311

Asked May 27, 2024, 4:46 PM EDT

What pest is on my purple sand cherry? How do I treat it?

Washtenaw County Michigan

Expert Response

Hi Jenny, thanks for the question.

The bumps you are seeing are scale insects, possibly lecanium scale. These critters can literally suck the life out of the shrub. Treatment includes pruning our heavily infested branches/leaves, using a systemic like imidacloprid, dormant oil spraying, et al.  Beneficial insects also help.  Check these links for more information:

Lecanium Scales | Entomology (uky.edu)

Scale Management Guidelines--UC IPM (ucanr.edu)

The holes in the leaves appears to be cherry shothole disease. This can cause some defoliation later in the season.  Removing leaf debris and improving air circulation is important.  Check out the following link:

Cherry Shot Hole Disease | University of Maryland Extension (umd.edu)

I hope this helps.

An Ask Extension Expert Replied May 31, 2024, 11:22 AM EDT

Loading ...