Twisted hazel

[Helen11]

I've just noticed my Twisted Hazel has little cups stuck to its bark, when you touch them gently they come off and seem to have powdery substance inside, what are ? are they off aphids, moths, disease? Helen

[Newt]

Hi Helen, I'm thinking you are talking about is Corylus avellana 'Contorta'. Is this your tree? http://www.paghat.com/hazelcatkins.html There is something called Eastern filbert blight. Please read here. Click in 'Eastern Filbert Blight' just under the picture if it looks like what you have. http://plant-disease.ippc.orst.edu/image.cfm?RecordID=423 Let us know. Newt

[Helen11]

Dear Newt, Thanks for the reply ,I've checked out the picture on that link.It's not Eastern filbert blight but thanks for that.Any other ideas? Small browny/black cup like shapes that come off in your finger tips and seem to contain white dusty powder but no mite/insect evident.

[Newt]

Helen, Well, I'm glad it isn't Eastern filbert blight. I think it must be some type of scale insect. When you peel off the 'shell', you are only seeing the 'fluff' that remains after the scale insect has moved on. I would still go with the directions for cleaning up and use a horticultural oil in early spring. I don't know where you are located, but if you are in the US, you could contact your local extension service for id. If they give you suggestions for any pesticides, let us know and we'll see if we can find something environmentally friendly. http://www.ceinfo.unh.edu/cesites.htm If you aren't in the US, maybe taking a sample, in a sealed plastic bag, to a large nursery would be helpful. Newt