Holly Bush Disease

Question

Our holly bush has a long slender 1/8 to 1/4 white looking “cocoon” on the leaves. When touched, a white powdery substance comes off. Also, it appears to have ‘black smut” on the twigs. We have had very wet-cool weather this spring. Any help would be appreciated. Also, is there any spray or treatment we could do?

Answer 1

The white powdery substance is powdery mildew and can be treated with neem oil. Here is more info: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/problems/pests/neem-oil-uses.htm The black substance sounds like a sooty mold issue, most often brought on by pests. Neem oil can also be used to get rid of the pests as well as the fungus This article will help: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/disease/how-to-get-rid-of-sooty-mold.htm