0
points
Why are the leaves of my mango tree sticky?

Mango    Idaho

My 1 year old mango tree has a fine mist of sticky on its leaves


Posted by: Amy Sorensen (1 point) Amy Sorensen
Posted: November 27, 2013


Lindsay McMenemy commented,
Hi Amy. Could you add a bit more detail to your post? Are all the leaves sticky or just certain parts of the tree? Are there any other symptoms besides this? Sticky leaves can be caused by some insects, such as aphids, which excrete a sugary substance called honeydew. Are there any aphids feeding on the plants?
over 10 years ago.

Susan League, UF/IFAS Sumter Program Assistant commented,
Here in Florida, mango has several scale insects that are problems and that can cause the sticky leaves.
over 10 years ago.



Answers

0
points
There are several possible causes for the stickiness you are seeing on your mango tree but unfortunately without a few more details or some images it is going to be difficult to pinpoint exactly what is causing it. Several species of insect, including aphids, leafhoppers and mealybugs, secrete a sticky, sugary substance called honeydew which can cover leaves and fruit. Honeydew on the leaves promoted growth of sooty molds which look like a black powder coating the leaves. If you can see any mold growing then you may which to check your tree for the presence of these insects.

Another possibility is the presence of scale insects on the plant. Scales are peculiar insects which are relatively immobile and, as their name suggests, resemble scales resting on the plant. See the image provided.




Posted by: Lindsay McMenemy (4 points) Lindsay McMenemy
Posted: December 3, 2013




0
points
You might also make sure that kids aren't eating jelly sandwiches up in the branches.


Posted by: David Goodman (69 points) David Goodman
Posted: December 4, 2013


Lindsay McMenemy commented,
Very true!! :-)
over 10 years ago.

elton shaba commented,
i have the same issue with my mango plant. weeks ago i put the plant inside due to cold. i have observed no scales insects at all no damage to the leaves at all also. the sticky syrup like substance is only found on the top leaves not at all of them. i repeat the tree is doing fine. what could it be?
over 7 years ago.

David Hughes commented,
Is there a higher tree over it? It could be sap from insects raining down from the higher tree. Some plant feeding insects flick off their access sap
over 7 years ago.



You need to log in if you'd like to add an answer or comment.
Heart Heart icon