We have been receiving many calls about trees, plants and gardens suffering from various problems. This week’s rain will help out temporarily but we need much more of it for a long period of time to get out of the extended drought we have been in. Here are a few quick questions dealing with plants, trees, water stress and other factors.

Q. Why were most of my pecans hollow when I picked them this year?

Summer months are critical months related to pecan nuts filling the shell properly on pecan trees. Appropriate rainfall is needed during these months to help the kernel fill out properly. A mature pecan tree utilizes massive amounts of water daily. Watering a few gallons daily will not resolve or help this problem during dry conditions, only adequate rainfall. Last year’s dry summer conditions could have played a role in this year’s poor pecan harvest. Other possible problems that can cause empty shells may include lack of food reserves within the tree, insect or disease damage or size of the preceding crop.

Q. What is this bug eating my azaleas?

Lace bugs are the most common insect pests of azaleas. This pest is about one-eighth inch long with lacy white wings and dark markings. It is found on the underside of leaves where it eats with its piercing,sucking mouthparts. Leaves appear light-colored and spots appear on the upper surface of the leaves as a result of the bugs’ feeding. Heavy infestations cause leaves to have a bleached appearance. This pest begins attacking azaleas in April and produces several generations per year and remains active throughout the summer. Both Hi-Yield 38 Plus, Turf, Termite & Ornamental Insect Control or Bayer Advanced Garden Rose & Flower Insect Killer are effective treatments for lace bugs. Please remember to read the label before use!

Q. Why does my bradford pear tree appear to have limbs slowly dying?

Fire blight is a common bacterial disease that affects many bradford pears. Trees with fire blight have easily identifiable symptoms such as black, scorched-looking branches, twigs and foliage. Usually the end of a shoot will be completely affected. Treatment options are limited this late in the year, however, fire blight spreading within trees can be reduced by applications of fire blight spray. Look for products which contain streptomycin sulfate as the active ingredient. It is also a good idea to cut off all affected limbs and branches. Cut affected branches back about 10 inches from the damaged area and dispose. To avoid spreading the bacterium, pruning shears should be sterilized after each cut. Household bleach, diluted one to nine, is an acceptable sterilizing agent.

Q. Why are my crepe myrtles leaves turning white?

This is most likely a common case of powdery mildew, a common fungus that has a white powdery appearance on the leaves of crepe myrtles. If untreated this can cause dwarfing, stunting or curling of leaves. Extended periods of dry weather also contribute to the development of this problem. Be careful using over-head watering as this can spread the fungus. To help reduce this, plant crepe myrtles in full sun, use disease resistant varieties, remove fallen branches and leaves and apply a protective fungicide. Triadimefon Bayleton T/O, Halt, or Triforine Funginex Rose Disease Control are all effective treatments when used every 10-14 until symptoms fade.

David Carter can be reached at dcarter@ext.msstate.edu.