Unsightly Problems on Plants Not Fatal to Plants - by: Gaylord Moore

Story by: Guest Contributor

First posted on 06-29-2007

Q: I was out looking around yesterday and found red “horns” growing on some leaves. What are they? Is there any need to be concerned? – P. J.

A: A gall insect called a grape tube gallmaker Cicidomyia viticola is the culprit that causes the strange structures on the grape leaves. From the picture the gall appears to be a wild grape.

Gall makers are quite common on numerous plants. No need for concern. Even with the commercial aspect of grapes these gall-forming flies do not often inflict economic injury on grapevines.

Q: We have some bushes in awful shape - yellow, barren in the back, misshaped, etc. We are considering replacing these bushes with something else. Is there information available on-line to view these items or a guide to help us decide what is best? - C.B.

A: I suggest you go to the University of Missouri Extension website and click on publications. We have many wonderful guides on shrubs such as deciduous, needled evergreens and broadleaved evergreens. Go to http://extension.missouri.edu.

Based on the picture you sent to me I suggest you give them a year (this growing season) for a chance to come back. Go ahead and cut out the branches that have been heavily damaged. It may appear somewhat bare after the pruning but it should send out new shoots below the cuts. There seems to be some healthy wood on the inside of the plant.

These are euonymus and they were hit hard during the freeze. They are nice shrubs and deserve another chance. As you know, this type of damage is quite rare, especially on this plant.

For more information, or answers to your specific lawn and garden questions, contact Gaylord Moore, horticulture specialist, University of Missouri Extension or the Greene County Master Gardener Hotline at (417) 862-9284.

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