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Scale and sooty mould on my callistemon
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Posted by femmeradsy Newcastle, NSW (My Page) on Tue, Sep 20, 05 at 8:57
| I have a callistemon in my backyard which has a terrible covering of sooty mould, presumably from scale. It lives in a neglected back corner so I'm embarrassed to say that it was quite a while before I noticed the problem ... So I have cut it back quite hard (it needed that anyway) and sprayed with homemade white oil (canola oil, dishwashing liquid and water mixed into a spray).
Is there anything else I should do now?
Is there any way to actually remove the black stuff?
I'm planting other natives nearby (wattle and grevillea) - is there any danger that this will spread?
Thanks! |
Follow-Up Postings:
RE: Scale and sooty mould on my callistemon
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- Posted by aeor nsw (My Page) on
Thu, Sep 22, 05 at 0:52
Hi
Alas I don't have an answer for you, I'm just interested to see if you get any response, as I have a couple of trees with similar black stuff, and I wonder if there is a point where they are beyond saving. ie does it restrict growth and yes does it spread throughout the garden? I pruned a callistemon last year quite harshly, or should I say ruthlessley, as I read they are quite hardy and it was neglected. The soot has not returned and the tree is looking gorgeous, so maybe you have done the right thing. Stabs in the dark though, I am absolutely guessing.
good luck |
RE: Scale and sooty mould on my callistemon
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| sooty mould is caused by scale and aphids, and they are mostly caused by ants. pruning will help, and white oil more so. the mould itself is harmless, but it is an indicator for a scale, aphid or mealy bug problem. |
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