Posted by MEADOW VIEW on August 07, 19100 at 13:46:37:
In Reply to: crepe myrtle with black on their leaves posted by J. Lynch on August 06, 19100 at 20:37:16:
: I have eight crepe myrtles that have developed a black powdery substance on their leaves. They are only a year old and I'm afraid I may lose them. They seemed to be doing fine until I noticed this black stuff. It is also on the top of the mulch that is around them. Is this some type of fungus and how can I treat it?
J.LYNCH: This is likely the result of aphids on your plants. Their excrement is a sweet substance that attracts ants and a fungus that grows on this material. The black material will not harm your plants but the aphids can. Check for the aphids and spray for them and the black substance will probably disappear. MVG Plant Dr.