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Burkwood Viburnum problem leaf curl/puckering #879306

Asked July 29, 2024, 5:08 PM EDT

Can you tell me what is affecting my burkwood viburnum? There is some leaf curling and distortion on some of them. They were planted last July and have been drip irrigated. They seem to have enough air circulation where they are planted. I haven't spotted bugs or evidence of bugs, except the one photo that seems to show some chewed-on leaves. Photos attached. Thank you.

Berrien County Michigan

Expert Response

Hi, thanks for the question.

There can be different reasons for curled, puckered, and distorted leaves.  Probably the most common is aphids.  Check the back of the leaves, not just the curled leaves.  If you see ants climbing on the viburnums it can also indicate the presence of aphids.  Thrips can cause similar damage as can downy mildew.  The aphids can be sprayed off with a hard spray of water.  Insecticidal soap is a good follow-up. Check out the following links:

Aphids in home yards and gardens | UMN Extension

https://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/viburnum-diseases-insect-pests/#:~:text=the%20one%20removed.-,Aphids,-Snowball%20aphids%20

I hope this is helpful.

An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 29, 2024, 7:32 PM EDT
Thank you. Is there a best type of insecticidal soap to use that is least hostile to beneficial insects?
On Monday, July 29, 2024 at 07:32:22 PM EDT, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:


The Question Asker Replied July 29, 2024, 8:49 PM EDT

Hi,

Any OMRI (Organic Materials Review Institute) approved insecticidal soap will be good. Stay away from "homemade" formulas.

An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 30, 2024, 7:12 AM EDT
Thank you!  What natural predators go after aphids?

On Tuesday, July 30, 2024 at 07:12:39 AM EDT, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:


The Question Asker Replied July 30, 2024, 1:39 PM EDT

Hi again,

There are several natural enemies of aphids.  This includes lacewing larvae, lady beetles and larvae, syrphid fly (aka hoverfly),larvae, damsel bugs, big eyed bugs parasitic wasps and more. Check out the following links:

https://extension.umn.edu/yard-and-garden-insects/aphids#natural-enemies

Aphids and Their Natural Enemies (illinois.edu)

ENY-822/IN120: Natural Enemies and Biological Control (ufl.edu)

An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 30, 2024, 7:16 PM EDT
Thanks!!

On Tuesday, July 30, 2024 at 07:16:21 PM EDT, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:


The Question Asker Replied July 30, 2024, 8:17 PM EDT

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