what pest has burrowed into my magnolia flower buds and destroyed them

Question

Magnolia flower buds attacked by “pests” and destroyed them before flowering. The buds darken and simply drop off and appear to have been attacked during the autumn/winter. How to treat/prevent?

Answer 1

Have you seen the "pests"? It could be due to the wonky weather instead. Most people experienced a fairly mild winter, resulting in early budding of many trees and plants. This was followed by sudden cold spells, which could have possibly caused damage to these buds. This too would cause the symptoms you are seeing.