Q.Azalea Leaves Are Turning Shiny Yellow
The leaves of my azaleas are turning a shiny yellow and when I look at the back side of the leaves, they have a black sooty look with some larger black bumps. Is this an insect or a disease? What is the best way to treat it?
Certified GKH Gardening Expert
It is both a pest and a disease. The bumps are likely aphids or scale. They secrete a substance that attracts a fungus called sooty mold, which causes the black dust. Neem oil will fix both issues. These articles will help:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/disease/how-to-get-rid-of-sooty-mold.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/homemade-aphid-control-a-natural-way-to-kill-aphids.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/scale-bug-how-to-control-plant-scale.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/pesticides/neem-oil-uses.htm
