Celtis Leaf Issue

[Shane Martin]

I thought for years that Celtis was fairly bombproof, but I have a few young seedlings which have this distorted leaf issue which I cannot seem to get rid of.... so far I have sprayed with Confidor twice, but weeks later no change. Any clues to what it is would be gratefully received, and how do I get rid of it?
Thanks

celtis leaf issue 1.jpg

celtis leaf issue 2.jpg

[Phoenix238]

To me it looks like leaf curl, which needs copper sulphate spray. I had it on my peach tree last year. Or it might be heat stress/ sunburnt if you've had a hot burst lately?

[Hackimoto]

I'd be looking at the possibility of too heavy fert application causing excessive sappy growth which is not hardy and shrivels in the sun. Could that be possible?

[63pmp]

Second that Hack, too much N too early in the season.

Paul

[Shane Martin]

Sorry guys.... these few Celtis have had this condition since leafing out last Spring. Knowing they had an issue of some sort, they haven't had ANY fertiliser whatsoever, as I know not to feed sick or distressed trees.... I have tried removing the affected leaves, only to see them regrow with the same problem.

[squizzy]

is there a chance you have broad mite? its the brown crispy bit that makes me question this guess however.

We got it a bit in the nursery I worked in but more on soft perennials like gerberas. could be leaf blight also?

a few options to look at anyway.

Squizz

[Shane Martin]

is there a chance you have broad mite? its the brown crispy bit that makes me question this guess however.

We got it a bit in the nursery I worked in but more on soft perennials like gerberas. could be leaf blight also?

a few options to look at anyway.

Squizz

Broad mite could well be a possibility Squiz..... I have a similar issue with a few Trident Maples as well, but as yet haven't been able to find the best way to eradicate them.... anyone have a tested broad mite treatment

[Shannon]

Possible drift from herbicides mate. Your neighbour hasn't been spraying lately?

[Shane Martin]

hmmm, hadn't thought of that mate..... i'll check with them and see. They do that sort of work at night now when it is more still, (less or no wind) so i tend not to notice their activity as much.

[63pmp]

Some trace element deficiencies can cause similar leaf symptoms, e.g.

http://www.google.com.au/imgres?imgurl= ... wBQ&dur=83

But yes, think bugs, auxin type herbicides found in weed and feed type products. Or a mineral deficiency.

Paul,

oh, and then there's always Bretts universal fungus.

[bonsaipotter]

I had some celtis sunburn last summer on the day it hit 37. No mistaking that - browning of the leaf surface on the parts closest to the sun. With the damage coming from the tip margin this isn't sunburn.
If you haven't seen any bugs and the problem has contiued after the confidor then it's unlikely to be insects.
Most likely fungus of deficiency.
Attack along the margin could indicate with moisture collecting there ( from watering in the evening or condensation) and providing the environment for fungus.
Spraying with some fungicide has to be worth doing. Commercial cirtus growers put white oil in with the fungicide and this helps the fungicide 'stick' to the plants, making it much more effective.
Once you've done that then I'd feed them up and get some new leaves produced to test the impact. If you haven't given them anything for a couple of seasons they could be weaker and vulnerable because of it. I'd start with half strenght soluable fert (with trace elements included). That should cover all the bases. Get a good response and then give them more.
Cheers

[Shane Martin]

I did the rounds a week ago with soluble Trace Elements on all my trees as one of my large Hibiscus was showing an obvious deficiency, and I hadn't done it for some time, so about to do a follow up application in a couple of days, so hopefully i'll start to see some improvement. Is soluble the way to go with Trace Elements, or is granular incorporated in your soil mix a better way to go?

[63pmp]

I prefer soluble traces because its more controllable.

As bonsaipotter says, use a complete fertilizer with traces. Because you have already dosed them with traces, it would be better to give them some dilute (say 1/3 strength) fertilizer with traces, less chance of then over feeding with traces, plus plant is getting some NPK.

Paul

[Shane Martin]

I prefer soluble traces because its more controllable.

As bonsaipotter says, use a complete fertilizer with traces. Because you have already dosed them with traces, it would be better to give them some dilute (say 1/3 strength) fertilizer with traces, less chance of then over feeding with traces, plus plant is getting some NPK.

Paul

Thanks Paul.....
Whats a good fertilizer with traces included that you'd recommend?

[63pmp]

Which fertilizer?

Wow!!! Now aint that a can of worms

I make my own fertilizer, and I'm fairly unfamiliar with what's on the shelves now, and in the last few years the number of products has exploded. Pup suggested something awhile back, it was a low P, low N fertilizer. That seemed like a good choice.

I don't remember which thread it was that mentions it, perhaps someone will post it.

Personally I would be looking for something with lowish P, medium N, and high K, something like 4:2:8. balanced nitrate to ammonium 50:50, low to no urea.

Paul