By Johnmoore84
Lancashire, United Kingdom
Hello, I have a olive tree which has developed brown spots on the stems which seem to turn to dust when you try to scrape them off. They look like brown scale but are unsure. Any ideas what they are?
- 12 Sep, 2014
Looks like scale infestation - but if, when you get them off, they crumble into dust, they may already be dead. Clean off the scales with a disposable cloth lightly moistened in methylated spirits, without getting it on the leaves. Check the backs of leaves to make sure there aren't any nymphs (immature scales) present - these can look yellow, white, brown, but are usually clustered around the central rib below the leaf. If you find nymphs, you will need to use a pesticide spray which treats for scale.
12 Sep, 2014