Eric uncovers two different pests on a client's Japanese Black Pine bonsai, and goes to work trimming, treating, and repotting to help the tree regain its health. From the looks of it, this 12" tall JBP was partially decandled last summer.
00:00:48 There are white specks all over the young branches and on the underside of older branches.
00:01:22 Eric identifies the white specks as the white woolly coating of Adelgids, a sucking insect similar to an aphid. They're getting out of control and impacting the health of the tree.
00:01:59 Eric applies a stiff jet of water to remove the "white stuff".
00:02:42 He let's the tree dry in the sun for a few hours. He then does a clean-up as he generally would in the fall, to thin out the needles and see what's going on.
00:03:11 The clean-up work puts the yellowing needles grown last summer on full display; they're indicative of a problem with the roots. Eric believes it's likely root aphids.
00:04:18 The tree needs to be removed from its pot and treated with either a contact insecticide or a soap soak.
00:04:24 Closeup look at the roots and the waxy white substance the root aphids produce.
00:06:16 To deal with the patches of aphids in the interior of the root ball, Eric will soak the tree in a bucket of pyrethrin, which is a more effective insecticide because it's oil-based.
00:07:33 Closeup of an adult root aphid.
00:08:14 The actual dunk and soak, with liquid level up over roots. Eric leaves the tree to soak 30-60 minutes.
00:08:41 It's time to repot, and Eric wears gloves to protect his skin.
00:09:41 After the work is complete, Eric suggests that the pest situation be reassessed by his client in a few weeks.
What experiences have you had with pests like Wooly Adelgids? Tell us in the comments below. Please like and share this video, and as always, subscribe to our channel!