What are these small pimple like looking bumps on delonix foliage?

[BonsaiQueen]

There are only a few and they are very tiny and light green. They are also only on one side as opposed to the other? Pic attached for reference. Thank you!

 

[0soyoung]

If only on the underside, you've gotta wonder if they aren't some kind of sucking insect - scale or aphids. Both of them poop sugary 'honeydew' which is sticky stuff that will appear atop the foliage below.

Aphids are soft and squishy - you can crush them between your thumb a finger (on opposite sides of the leaf) without squeezing so hard that the leaf is damaged.
Scale will drop off when touched with a cotton swab wetted with rubbing alcohol (isopropyl that you can get at the grocery/pharmacy)

But, I know nothing specifically about delonix and it could be something that is characteristic of the species, I suppose.

 

[Bonsai Nut]

Zombie eggs! (They start really small... but after eating brains they get larger)

 

[Smoke]

Zombie eggs! (They start really small... but after eating brains they get larger)

 

[BonsaiQueen]

Thanks all for replies! To better describe it’s nothing that I can scrape off and it’s almost as if it’s inside of the leaf and you can see it poking through. Also, it does not show underneath the leaf - just on top. Does this mean the seedling can’t be saved. Also, does this better help identify what it might be?

What should be my next steps? Thank you!!

 

[BonsaiQueen]

Zombie eggs! (They start really small... but after eating brains they get larger)

Thanks for the reply! LOL, so what do I do about them?

 

[BonsaiQueen]

If only on the underside, you've gotta wonder if they aren't some kind of sucking insect - scale or aphids. Both of them poop sugary 'honeydew' which is sticky stuff that will appear atop the foliage below.

Aphids are soft and squishy - you can crush them between your thumb a finger (on opposite sides of the leaf) without squeezing so hard that the leaf is damaged.
Scale will drop off when touched with a cotton swab wetted with rubbing alcohol (isopropyl that you can get at the grocery/pharmacy)

But, I know nothing specifically about delonix and it could be something that is characteristic of the species, I suppose.

Thanks for the lengthy reply! It doesn’t seem to be either of those. It can’t be scraped off and you can’t feel or see it from the underside. It’s almost as if it’s inside of the leaf. Any suggestions on what to do? Also, does this sound like something that can kill my seedling? Thank you!!

 

[BonsaiQueen]

Just showed my husband and he thinks it might be a reaction from misting the leaves with rain water that has fertilizer in it. Thoughts?

 

[Mellos]

It's hard to really see from the photos, but I wonder if this could bee some type of gall?

 

[BonsaiQueen]

It's hard to really see from the photos, but I wonder if this could bee some type of gall?

Thanks so much for starting this thread back up! I had plans to do so this afternoon because I still have not figured out what this could be. I have attached more pictures below, if it helps any.

 

[BonsaiQueen]

Thanks so much for starting this thread back up! I had plans to do so this afternoon because I still have not figured out what this could be. I have attached more pictures below, if it helps any.

I just got a chance to look into galls and I think I that’s exactly what it is! The description of galls from an article I read seems to fit perfectly. The good thing is, it’s not as big of a stressor as I thought. I just now know to keep an eye out and be proactive in the future. The way I read it is that these are more like a reaction to something (mite, fungus, insect, etc.) much in the way we get a mosquito bite or rash in reaction to something. They’re not eggs because again, there’s nothing on the under side and when I squeeze them nothing happens to change the appearance. It’s now more so a cosmetic deformity, to the leaves, until they drop and are replaced. Thanks so much again for your help! ?

 

[BunjaeKorea]

I just got a chance to look into galls and I think I that’s exactly what it is! The description of galls from an article I read seems to fit perfectly. The good thing is, it’s not as big of a stressor as I thought. ?

If I were you I would try to find out the root cause and eliminate it. If the seedling has lots of foliage you might remove some of the infected parts. If it doesnt just bare with it and asking a local nursery might help to identify the cause of galls in your area.

 

[BonsaiQueen]

If I were you I would try to find out the root cause and eliminate it. If the seedling has lots of foliage you might remove some of the infected parts. If it doesnt just bare with it and asking a local nursery might help to identify the cause of galls in your area.

Great idea and will do!! I live near Brussel’s Bonsai, so I will pop in and ask them about the cause of galls in our area.

Is there a certain way I should remove the infected parts? Like is there a certain technique you’d recommend or should I just simply give a gentle tug on the infected foliage until it’s removed?

 

[Mellos]

I’d probably use scissors or small shears and remove leaflets before pulling them. Maybe disinfect them afterwards?

 

[BonsaiQueen]

I’d probably use scissors or small shears and remove leaflets before pulling them. Maybe disinfect them afterwards?

Ok, will do that! You mean disinfect the remaining foliage? If so, how do I go about disinfecting them? I really appreciate your taking time out to help and offer advice!

 

[Mellos]

I was referring to disinfecting the shears after you’re done, but I’m not really sure that’s necessary.

 

[BonsaiQueen]

I was referring to disinfecting the shears after you’re done, but I’m not really sure that’s necessary.

Ohh of course you were! Silly me, LOL! ? Makes sense and will be sure to do that so I don’t spread anything. Better to be safe than sorry! ?

 

[BunjaeKorea]

Great idea and will do!! I live near Brussel’s Bonsai, so I will pop in and ask them about the cause of galls in our area.

Is there a certain way I should remove the infected parts? Like is there a certain technique you’d recommend or should I just simply give a gentle tug on the infected foliage until it’s removed?

Just use shears or scissors. Leaf galls arent usually a big deal..... wood gall is another issue...
The nursery would be able to tell you what might be causing it. No other plants~trees have these symptoms?
Disinfecting your tools and equipment is always a good idea.

 

[0soyoung]

Just use shears or scissors. Leaf galls arent usually a big deal..... wood gall is another issue...
The nursery would be able to tell you what might be causing it. No other plants~trees have these symptoms?
Disinfecting your tools and equipment is always a good idea.

I agree. Absolutely disinfect.

I suggest also spraying the plant with a solution made of 2 tablespoons 3% hydrogen peroxide in a quart of water right after you've removed infected leaves (or tissues suspected to be, in general). These are spore sources and spores very well could be dispersed by those actions. Peroxide is an antiseptic that will nix both fungal and bacterial spores. It leaves no residue; it releases reactive oxygen and becomes just ordinary water - eco-friendly, especially indoors.

 

[BonsaiQueen]

Just use shears or scissors. Leaf galls arent usually a big deal..... wood gall is another issue...
The nursery would be able to tell you what might be causing it. No other plants~trees have these symptoms?
Disinfecting your tools and equipment is always a good idea.

Nope, just the delonix seedlings. Out of 8 of the seedlings, about 3 of them have it.

I have a 6 year old Fukien tea that I purchased from the nursery about 2 weeks ago that does not have any galls.

Thanks so much for the tips!! I made sure to disinfect the shears!