If the buds in your rhododendron did not flower, turned brown or died, that could be on account of a fungus usually transmitted by the rhododendron leafhopper, an insect that lays its eggs on rhododendron buds.
Act now to forestall bud dieback, says Germany’s Plant Safety Service of the Chamber of Agriculture of North Rhine-Westphalia.
In late summer season to autumn, the conspicuous inexperienced leafhopper with orange-striped wings lays its eggs underneath the bud scales of the brand new flowers. This creates small wounds on the rhododendron buds, making it simpler for the dangerous fungus to penetrate.
If a fungal an infection happens, the buds flip brown in the course of the winter and die off by spring. Additionally, small black, spiky fungal fruiting our bodies develop on the contaminated buds.
To scale back the chance of fungal an infection, attempt to catch not less than a number of the leafhoppers in summer season. Set one yellow sticky entice per rhododendron plant.
For those who later spot a fungal an infection, take away diseased buds and eliminate them.
However it isn’t at all times the fault of the leafhopper. Crops also can get contaminated with out it, with weakened vegetation rising in an unsuitable location usually affected.
