Dear Editor
The mystery isn’t really solved regarding the curling problem in trees, shrubs, flowers and vegetables on this farmstead and, to a lesser degree, throughout the area.
Readers might recall that I wrote, warning gardeners of this problem.
It might possibly be caused by the leafhopper, which causes aster yellows and, some time ago, affected some canola crops. However, the leafhopper doesn’t usually cause a problem with so many plants or trees and not with pine, as was affected here, nor do leaves form tight curls.
A specialist will try to take samples again if the problem shows up in 2017. A very cold winter will slow down the leafhopper and such insects as the pine beetle.
I’m told the leafhopper blows in from the United States.
Yes, I know what you’re thinking, but on the better side, the 4-H movement also came from the United States.
Christine Pike
Waseca
