![]() This should include a nematode analysis, soil analysis, and evaluations of drainage in the area and the degree of rooting in surface duff (litter). Prevention & Treatment: A thorough diagnosis of the associated factors is important before corrective action is taken. Various species of nematodes (microscopic worms that feed on the roots) also appear to be involved (see Nematodes section below). Dead areas or cankers develop along branches or near the crown. Leaves often have pink eruptions of spores on black fruiting bodies. The older leaves drop prematurely, and the remaining foliage develops a yellow color. Dead or dying branches occur randomly in the bush. Symptoms consist of weak and spindly plants. More than one problem may exist on stressed boxwoods. Volutella buxi may cause a dieback or stem blight on English and American boxwoods and often follows winter injury (see the Canker section below). M acrophoma candollei can cause leaf blight, but it usually acts as a weak pathogen following root diseases or environmental stresses. Root rots by Phytophthora are usually more of a problem in wet soils (see Root Rot section below). However, Paecilomyces buxi has been consistently associated with roots of English boxwood exhibiting the syndrome of boxwood decline, and this decline often follows periods of drought stress. This phenomenon is also closely related to cultural problems associated with boxwoods, such as improper pH and nutritional status, improper irrigation, poor drainage, and improper mulch management. Diseasesĭecline: Boxwood decline is a poorly understood complex involving the fungi Paecilomyces, Volutella, Macrophoma, and Phytophthora, as well as cold injury, drought stress, and nematodes (microscopic round worms). Boxwood is susceptible to the following diseases and pest problems. For information on species, varieties, and culture, see HGIC, 1061 Boxwood. ![]() During heavy infestations, homeowners should take care to screen windows and seal cracks to prevent entry by the caterpillars.Boxwoods ( Buxus spp.) are adapted to a wide range of light conditions and prefer fertile, moist, well-drained soil, which is amended with organic matter. Consult your local tree care specialist for advice. Once inside, the caterpillars have been know to cause considerable damage as they will chew and use fabrics to make cocoons.Ĭontrolling the cabbage palm caterpillar on palmetto palms is difficult although the precise use of insecticides can be effective. In some instances, this means entering buildings, including homes. After a caterpillar has finished its eating period, it spins a thread and lowers itself to the ground where it will search for a quiet place to pupate. In a particularly heavy infestation, all a tree's buds can be eaten. It is tan in color with two dark spots on each wing.Ĭabbage palm caterpillars are attracted to the blooms or inflorescences of cabbage palmettos. The adult moth has a wingspan of around 2 inches (5 cm). The cabbage palm caterpillar is a pinkish grub measuring about 1 1/2 inches (3.8 cm) at maturity with a skin covered with very small spines. Control by insecticides is possible under certain circumstance if carefully managed. They are a nuisance to humans as well because they often enter homes looking for suitable places to pupate. They rarely kill palm trees but the insects do destroy the trees' blossoms. Cabbage palm caterpillars, found throughout Florida, target the cabbage palmetto almost exclusively.
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