I'm seeing these on almost every PawPaw tree in my area (NE Kansas). I've also seen it on a couple Elms and at least 2 other trees I wasn't able to ID. They start a green and turn red. I've not seen any ruptured yet. Is this a BAD thing I'm seeing? If so...what can be done?
Yikes! Some kind of insect gall, perhaps. (If it were a fungal growth I am sure that you could identify it, C.W.) Some critter that really likes pawpaw! D'you have an extension service in your area that could help in identification?
I know one person in Topeka area but not sure if she specializes in this kind of thing? I know she helped me become aware of the Emerald Ash Borer beetle that destroys forests. This is new for me to see. I've not been able to find any kind of fungus that resembles this OR insect for that matter. I've driven at least 2 hour radius to check other locations and I'm seeing these there also???? I've hiked these forests for years and have never seen this or at least to this extent! None of the trees seem to be drooping or anything? The leaves are still growing to their normal large sizes...but I did notice on the Elm the leaves seemed stunted and mal-formed?
Definately insects. I cut one open and little green 'nymphs' flew out. They're tiny, like aphids? Leaving what looks like a whitish/gray 'powder' inside the gall.
