Disease on bamboo - Ask Extension
Hi. I have a question on growing Bamboo in Houston. I'm not sure if this is the correct place to get my question answered but any help would be gr...
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Disease on bamboo #150334
Asked August 31, 2013, 12:58 PM EDT
Hi. I have a question on growing Bamboo in Houston. I'm not sure if this is the correct place to get my question answered but any help would be greatly appreciated. I'm growing Bambusa Oldhamii which I have had for about 3 years. Last year some of my last shoots to start growing suddenly stopped growing and dies. This year there is a white powdery / sticky substance on it. In some cases it stunts its growth and dies and in other cases the bamboo just grows, but slowly. Do you know what this is and who I can get rid of it? Or any place I can go for help?
Thanks,
Jason Ward
Thanks,
Jason Ward
Harris County Texas
Expert Response
Jason,
The photos are not in clear focus so I can't identify the pest for certain. My best guess is that you are seeing mealybugs. One method for controlling them is to spray the new shoots and then drench the soil around the base of the plant with a product containing
Imidicloprid. There are several brands on the home market. This ingredient is system and over time will move into the plant controlling the mealybugs which are feeding on the plant's juices.
The photos are not in clear focus so I can't identify the pest for certain. My best guess is that you are seeing mealybugs. One method for controlling them is to spray the new shoots and then drench the soil around the base of the plant with a product containing
Imidicloprid. There are several brands on the home market. This ingredient is system and over time will move into the plant controlling the mealybugs which are feeding on the plant's juices.
