Is This A Disease Or A Pest?

Question

We recently purchased a Jatropha tree’s leaves because the one we had was destroyed in a hurricane. The new tree has strange, reddish spots all over it’s trunk and branches. Out previous Jatropha did not have these spots. Now the tree is starting to lose leaves at a rapid rate. The leaves are turning yellow and have brown and dark green spots all over them. I’m very concerned that the tree is dying. Any idea what could be causing this?

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Answer 1

Looks like it has an infestation of a little armored insect called scale. There are many species, and they vary in appearance. I'm battling these, constantly, with my indoor citrus. They will, almost always, bring disease with them. They will suck out nutrients from your trees, as well. There are several ways to treat them, but you will want to scrape off as many as you can before you do. They are armored, and some of them may not respond to sprays.

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/insects/control-plant-scale.htm

The other issue is treating the diseases that they bring. I'd opt for fungicides of your choice.

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/info/using-fungicides-in-garden.htm