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magnolia scale

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From: Kevin Olson City: naperville, IL
I was told our Magnolia tree has scale. What can I do about it now? The Scale is abundant and the tree is not growing like it use too. Also there is a black substance on some of the leaves and the trunk of the tree. Anything I can do, and will this kill the tree? Thank you for your help. Kevin
	Extension Message From: James Schuster Horticulturist and Plant Pathologist (Retired) schuster@illinois.edu
Magnolia scale can not be killed till September when the crawlers emerge. Use a recommended insecticide. The black stuff is a fungus called sooty mold which grows on the honeydew the scale is excreting. Kill the scale and there is no more honeydew next year. No honeydew no sooty mold.
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