Local Manzanita have a problem - Ask Extension
I have three manzanita purchased three years ago from a local nursery that carries native plants. It appears they are host to one or more infestations...
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Local Manzanita have a problem #799055
Asked July 01, 2022, 5:49 PM EDT
I have three manzanita purchased three years ago from a local nursery that carries native plants. It appears they are host to one or more infestations. Little white mites or flies are evident on a leaf in a couple of photos and the third photo shows a web-like substance on the stem. We do not irrigate these plants much at all in the summer and they seem to have good air circulation. Three or four small manzanita we dug up and transplanted here from Napa County California are doing fine. Any recommendations?
Deschutes County Oregon
Expert Response
Hi Dennis:
Thank you for the pictures, they are very helpful. It looks like an aphid infestation. I can't tell you why it's affecting the nursery plants vs the transplants you brought from Napa. It could be a different variety. Could be they are younger and their root structure is not as established, therefore more susceptible to the infestation. It's possibly environmental, we just had a very cold, wet spring and the aphids could have found them an appealing target when normally they wouldn't. Manzanita do not like their roots disturbed and can just be temperamental. I know you said they have good air circulation and not too much water, so it sounds like they are in the right place to succeed. The link below describes the manzanita plant and care in the home landscape. If you look to the right, there are links to the pests and disorders that can affect Arctostaphylos, the family that includes manzanita. If you click on Aphids, you will see various methods you can use to get them under control.
Manzanita Description and Care
Thank you for your question,
Thank you for the pictures, they are very helpful. It looks like an aphid infestation. I can't tell you why it's affecting the nursery plants vs the transplants you brought from Napa. It could be a different variety. Could be they are younger and their root structure is not as established, therefore more susceptible to the infestation. It's possibly environmental, we just had a very cold, wet spring and the aphids could have found them an appealing target when normally they wouldn't. Manzanita do not like their roots disturbed and can just be temperamental. I know you said they have good air circulation and not too much water, so it sounds like they are in the right place to succeed. The link below describes the manzanita plant and care in the home landscape. If you look to the right, there are links to the pests and disorders that can affect Arctostaphylos, the family that includes manzanita. If you click on Aphids, you will see various methods you can use to get them under control.
Manzanita Description and Care
Thank you for your question,
