On Tuesday, I gave a presentation to the Ladies Garden Club, using the Zoom conference platform. We had great attendance and an even greater time... over 40 ladies signed on to hear what we are doing around the campus! Leaf Galls were a topic of conversation because they are plentiful this spring, Here is some information on the subject.
Leaf Gall
Leaf gall (Exobasidium vaccinii) is a very common fungal disease in the early spring on azaleas and occasionally on rhododendrons. Some of the native rhododendron species (azaleas) are more susceptible than hybrid rhododendrons.
In April and May leaves and buds of infected plants develop distorted growth. Leaves and possibly stems become thickened, curled, fleshy and turn pale green to white. In the later stages of the disease, the galls become covered with a white powdery substance. As the galls age, they turn brown and hard.
Prevention & Treatment: This disease rarely does enough damage to require chemical control. If only a few plants are affected, pick and destroy galls. If chemical control is necessary on azaleas, mancozeb, or chlorothalonil fungicide sprays can be used according to label directions.