Crape myrtles ( Lagerstroemiaspp . and cvs . , Zones 7 - 9 ) are truly one of the trees Southerners have come to rely on in the landscape painting . flora breeding innovations over the last 30 or so years have chair to wonderful new selections . These novel selections have made crape myrtles even more valuable in the landscape . you may now purchase crape myrtle that are basically solid ground covers , several thickset selections perfect for a smaller landscape painting , as well as new variant of the larger trees we hump and love .
A novel pestilence of crape Vinca minor has found its agency into the South . Commonly known as crepe myrtle bark scale ( CMBS ) , this pest was first abide by in Texas and has migrated through several part of the South . Dr. Blake Layton from Mississippi State who has worked with this pestis sound out , “ crepe myrtle bark musical scale is a serious fresh dirt ball pest of one of the South ’s favourite landscape plants . Heavy infestations result in unsightly accumulations of sooty mould and make trees to develop and flower poorly . Sooty mold will also accumulate on other industrial plant , mulch and lawn furniture located under or near infested trees . effectual discussion are available , but the right way to manage this blighter is to avoid introduce it into the area and landscape in the first plaza . The only direction to do this is to make indisputable any new crape myrtle brought into the area are not infested . ”
Crape Vinca minor barque scale infestation . Photo by F. Hale courtesy of UTIA
Healthy barque of ‘ Natchez ’ crape myrtle ( Lagerstroemia‘Natchez ’ , Zones 7 - 10 ) . Photo : Michelle Gervais
So how do we accomplish not bringing this pest into our metropolis or county if it ’s not already present ? One of the first steps is do it how to discover CMBS and how to dispense with the pest if you encounter it . If you see tiny white or gray-haired felt - same ovals on your crape Vinca minor , you might have CMBS . await near pruning cuts and in branch privates to catch this pest in the other stages of infestation . We are still learn how to control CMBS , but we sleep together lady beetle ( including the Asiatic mintage ) do feed on CMBS . On smaller works , it is possible to practice horticultural oils or soapy water and a scrub brushing to remove the scale and hold it somewhat at alcove .
The best generator for data , include treatment options , on this pest is stopcmbs.com , a site put together by several university pro in the Southern part . you’re able to use this resourcefulness to help oneself learn how to name and do by CMBS . Additionally , several university throughout the South have been very aggressive in put out information for homeowners and industry pro on CMBS . I recommend searching out information and imagination from your private nation or county extension service to make certain you are getting top - notch entropy that is specific to your emplacement .
There have been some former write up that American beautyberry ( Callicarpa americana , Zones 6 - 10 ) may also be susceptible to CMBS plague , so place gardener should also be monitoring this plant .
Andy Pulte is a faculty member in the Plant Sciences section at the University of Tennessee .
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Courtesy of Blake Layton
Crape myrtle bark scale infestation. Photo by F. Hale courtesy of UTIA
Healthy bark of ‘Natchez’ crape myrtle (Lagerstroemia‘Natchez’, Zones 7-10). Photo: Michelle Gervais
