Does anyone knows anything about a leaf deformation occuring on *** Maples caused by spiders and how to get rid of it? regards webwolf
Further information required: are you asking about plant-sucking mites, or predatory spiders webbing occasional leaves together for shelter?
spider mites? I have had periodic problems with spider mites if that is what you are referring to. In the case where spider mites are present, there is usually dessication of the leaf tissue and thereby the presence of dried leaves underneath the mite webbing. I would not classify this as a deformation per se. Of primary concern is the fact that infestation of this type typically occur on stressed or unhealthy trees. Most healthy trees will resist mite problems, or they will be limited to a very small area. Usually they can be treated like aphids and removed with a strong blast from the garden hose, making sure to hit all leaf surfaces. This can be repeated for a few consecutive days. __ Now, if you mean actual spiders, I would likely say no. I have had a spider or two build very densely webbed nests on actively growing branches. The dense web will cause "deformation" by restricting the leaf growth. This is a situation that would be limited to a few leaves and not widespread. Did I help, or could you clarify the situation. Michael
spiders Hi, thanks for the reply. I think, they are webbing spider mites. How do you treat them? I would like to attach a photo but I do not know how to do that. Thanks Wolfgang PS: How come I am listed under 'seedlings'
Hi Webwolf: We are all seedlings in these forums until we've made enough posts (20 I think) in the UBC forums to graduate up to the next level which is Climber. After 100 posts are made then we become a Plant Enthusiast. I like this format. I was a seedling too at one point back in March. Not all discussions on Spider Mites and Mites are restricted to just the Maple forum. As we develop a sense of what is going on in the various UBC forums we can learn that in a few other forums, such as the HortBoard and the Conifer forum, that Spider Mites and Mites have been addressed in other threads. Spider Mites on Japanese Maples is rather rare. I'd like to see the pictures of your plant so I can better see the damage to the leaves. For your problem, it sounds more like a dust mite infestation in which a good spider or two has picked up on and is killing them for you. We see this sort of thing in dry and warm climates. Unless the Maple is completely covered with Spider Webs I would not spray the tree but I would, like Michael suggested, give the tree a good dousing of water and wash some of the dust away and off from the plant. A serious webbing problem can indeed be problematic for new growth as the new and developing leaves can become disfigured in shape. If the webbing is too widespread to be handled with water then use a low grade insecticide such as Malathion and/or Diazinon but use no oil sprays on Maples once they have leafed out. Mix the chemical with water instead. Uploading an image onto the UBC server is pretty basic stuff. Just go to the "front door" as I call it and look at the Forum Announcements, Info and Feedback forum to read up on some of the posts on how to post an attachment, in your case an image. http://www.botanicalgarden.ubc.ca/forums/index.php? Jim
spiders Hi, I attach a picture to explain the problem. A nursery suggested to spray with CONFIDOR (Bayer) act. ingr. IMIDACLOPRID. I have not done it jet ( it's raining ).
When you open up the rolled portions of the leaves, are there spiders inside? They may be rolling up the leaves for temporary shelter, or they may just happen to be sitting nearby. In the photo I might be seeing some chewing, suggested a leaf-rolling caterpillar is on the scene.
It might not be spiders Hi, I am still puzzled what causes the leaf deformation on all my maples. I attach a picture of my Kasagiama. May be someone has an idea. regards Webwolf from Downunder
