We have mysterious symtoms recently appearing on ALL of our Natchez crapes. Some have been in the ground for 15+ years. None of the other cultivars seem to be affected. The new growth has interveinal yellowing then necrosis while at the same time leaf distortion and curling. There is a little bit of raised, blister like spots as well. Flowering does not seem to be affected. I have been googling and looking in my books and have gotten nowhere. We do know that they have some spider mites and a few scattered aphids. We are concerned about possible preemerge sensitivity or other chemical factor. Our turf/beds do have pre/post emergents applied (snapshot/treflan). So far, in my googling I have found their sensitivity to halosulfuron (sedgehammer) which we have used widespread in past years. Here are some pictures to help further explain what we are seeing. I was wondering if anyone else has had this appear or if anyone might have any thoughts as to what is causing this. Thanks!
okay, so I just had an email from one of our extension guys and he said: The name of this new disorder is 'rabbit tracks'. It was coined by a group of researchers at Auburn. I have been troubled with this also on 'Natchez'. The Auburn group presented a paper at SNA a few weeks ago and they still cannot determine a cause. They have ruled out a bunch of things including thrips, virus, Fe/Mn,..... Some of my nutritional work causes this to occur or not occur so I plan to followup and try to isolate a cause. I would not worry. I will keep you posted as we learn more. very interesting.
Do you have an update Dixie? I'm a big fan of 'Natchez' except for the droopy flowers. Still the spectacular bark more than covers for any shortcomings of this tree.
