Tulip Poplar Diseases: Powdery Mildew and Sooty Mold

Common Issues Affecting Tulip Poplar

Tulip poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera) is relatively disease-resistant but can experience two common fungal issues.

Powdery Mildew

Symptoms: White fungal growth on upper leaf surfaces.

Pathogen: Erysiphe or Phyllactinia species.

Management: No control recommended as little damage occurs.

Sooty Mold

Symptoms: Black fungal growth covering leaf surfaces where shiny, sticky honeydew has been deposited.

Note: Sooty mold is not a pathogen; it grows on honeydew secreted by aphids feeding higher in the tree.

Management: Control aphid populations to eliminate the honeydew source.

Sooty mold.