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Fruit & Orchards garden

What's this white stuff on my mulberry tree?

3 years ago

This white stuff has been growing all over my young potted mulberry tree, mainly on the trunk/branches. It seems to be inhibiting leaf growth and I've noticed it on the underside of curled leaves. I cant tell if it's a fungus or maybe looks like insect egg sacs? But I can't find any info online, can't find any pictures that resemble it. Any idea what it is and if I can fix it? Thanks

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Comments (12)

Ben Noname
Original Author
3 years ago
Sorry photos aren't attaching to original post
Ben Noname
Original Author
3 years ago
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gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
3 years ago
last modified: 3 years ago
It's a scale infestation and a pretty severe one at that. Mulberries are prone to various types of scale, which are prolific, sucking insects that deplete plant vigor by feeding on internal fluids and juices. This looks like white peach scale (Pseudaulacaspis pentagona, aka mulberry scale).

Control is difficult as the scale is armored so relatively immune to contact pesticides unless very carefully timed. A systemic may be your best bet but even they are only moderately effective and you may need repeat applications.

You may want to check with your county extension service for their recommendations. And this is an extension fact sheet discussing the scale: white peach scale.
Ben Noname
Original Author
3 years ago
Thanks looks like that's exactly what it is.
rhizo_1 (North AL) zone 7
3 years ago
I've always had great success with applications of horticultural oils, which can be done repeatedly.
Ben Noname
Original Author
3 years ago
Thanks, I sprayed it down with neem oil last night, we'll see if it helps at all. Assuming I'm able to get rid of the scale, would the tree be able to come back?
gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
3 years ago
Since your tree is at this point in time leafless, it might be a good idea to carefully rub down the trunk and as many stems as you can manage to physically remove the scale population. Use a soft cloth or cotton pads soaked in rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide and gently wipe as many insects off as possible. Then follow up with an oil spray.

The more insects removed, the higher the "kill" rate!! 😁

And yes, once all the scale insects are removed, the tree should be fine.
Ben Noname
Original Author
3 years ago
Great, thanks for the tips.
Jennifer Carter
2 years ago
Pls let me know if the Neem oil works because I have a larger tree with the same problem.
Lara W
last year
last modified: last year
any updates? I think i have the same issue.
Ben Noname
Original Author
last year
I chopped the tree. The scale was too difficult to manage and the fruit wasn't tasty enough.
Sharon Mills
22 days ago
last modified: 22 days ago
Mine has same. Still has lots of leaves and berries. I rubbed it offy bark with a Lysol wipe. I'll keep doing so. I've dealt with scale before on a plant in my front yard and found it easiest to control by removing it repeatedly, and it will stop after a couple weeks here in Florida, once it gets real hot.

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