Emerald Ash Borer
The emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis, EAB) is a non-native forest pest known for its bright green color, devastating impacts on the environment, and massive economic cost.It was first...
Category: Trees
Pine Diseases
Pine trees (Pinus species) are important to South Carolina not only for their ornamental value but also for lumber, watershed management, wildlife habitat, and Christmas trees. There are over 125...
Algal Leaf Spot
Of the various kinds of organisms that cause plant disease, plant parasitic algae are not the norm. The only species that is common in the United States is Cephaleuros virescens. It causes a disease...
Juniper Diseases & Insect Pests
Junipers grown in South Carolina are relatively low-maintenance plants if planted in the correct location and given proper cultural care. There are several common problems that can cause browning of...
Holly Diseases & Insect Pests
Diseases Black Root Rot: Black root rot is caused by the fungus Thielaviopsis basicola. This fungus primarily affects the root system and reduces plant vigor. Aboveground symptoms may include...
A Beautiful Dogwood with Edible Fruit
The Cornelian cherry dogwood, Cornus mas, is a little-known dogwood of note. Instead of the showy, white bracts of our native and Kousa dogwoods, this tree has clusters of small yellow flowers which...
Camellia Diseases & Insect Pests
Camellias are one of the most desirable and well-adapted plants for Southern gardens. Many of the common problems of sasanqua camellia (Camellia sasanqua, C. hiemalis, and C. vernalis) and the...
Powdery Mildew
Introduction Powdery mildew is the name given to a group of diseases caused by several closely related fungi. Their common symptom is a grayish-white, powdery mat visible on the surface of leaves,...
Crapemyrtle Bark Scale
The crapemyrtle bark scale (Acanthococcus lagerstroemiae) is a recently introduced pest from Asia that initially infested crapemyrtles (Lagerstroemia spp.) in Texas during 2004. Since then, it has...
Cranberry Rootworm Beetle
The Cranberry rootworm beetle (Rhabdopterus picipes) is one of several leaf-feeding beetles and weevils that consume the foliage of woody landscape plants in South Carolina. These nocturnal-feeding...
Rosy Maple Moth (Dryocampa rubicunda)
The rosy maple moth (Dryocampa rubicunda) is a silk moth in the family Saturniidae. Found throughout North America, this moth is not generally considered a pest, though its caterpillars have proven...
Black Twig Borer
Black Twig Borer (Xylosandrus compactus) is a species of a scolytid beetle and is one of the few ambrosia beetles that will infest healthy or stressed plants. The adult beetle is solid black, shiny,...