Golden Willow

Description:

Located on a bank near a pond in the Olds College Wetlands. Approx 7.5 meters tall and 8.5 meter canopy. Tree has damaged foliage due to snow storm three days ago and the change of season. Leaves are curled and yellowing as can be seen in photo's three and four. Problems noted: 1) blue/grey/white powder on the leaves, comes off when rubbed. Mainly on the underside of the leaf and highly concentrated at the midrib. Possibly Powdery Mildew. 2) growths on leaves, found mostly alone or in small groups of two to three. Yellow in color with pink/red points along the surface. Appear to be gall like in nature, possibly sawfly galls also called red bean galls.

Habitat:

This tree prefers moist, loam soil near rivers or ponds. The specimen in this post was found on the bank of a pond in the Olds College Wetlands.

Notes:

Control of saw fly is seldom nessisarry as predictors will control the population. For a sever outbreak carbaryl can be applied during the adults flying stage. This can be determined by using sticky traps. The mold should only be present at this time of year as the leaves are dying. However if it is powdery mildew an anti fungal agent could be applied. As it is the end of the season is wait to apply until spring and only if signs of powdery mildew are present. References: https://www.ag.ndsu.edu/trees/handbook/t... (accessed October 4th 2017) http://npic.orst.edu/factsheets/carbaryl... (Accessed October 4th 2017) http://www.agr.gc.ca/eng/science-and-inn... (Accessed October 4th 2017)