Hemlock Woolly Adelgid. Several members have discovered cottony specks on their hemlock tree branches, similar in appearance to woolly aphids or mealybugs. These are signs of hemlock woolly adelgid. The Virginia Arboretum suggests spraying a horticultural oil on the trees in the spring, preferably in April. Once temperatures starts to warm up, there is a danger that the oil will harm the foliage. If your problem is severe, buy an oil product that is intended for use during the growing season and pay attention to the maximum air temperature that is acceptable for spraying. The Arboretum uses a Chevron brand horticultural oil called Volck, but there are other brands available. More information about woolly adelgids can be found on the following web site addresses:

www.fs.fed.us/na/morgantown/fhp/hwa/hwasite.html and www.ext.vt/edu/departments/entomology/factsheets/hewoadel.html
 
 
 

Rust on plants, such as hollyhocks and berry plants. Use a fungicide such as benomyl. This controls or prevents rust, but does not eliminate rust already present.
 

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