lilac has infestation

[coralbelle]

I recently transplanted a lilac and now it has something eating the leaves. It looks like a hole punch on the edge of the leaves. Also seen were little round white dots the size of pin head on the edge of the leaves. There was a little web cocoon on the backside of one of leaves as well as what looked like a jelly type of cluster on another back of a leaf. What's going on with my lilac? Please advise on a remedy, preferably organic. As always thanks to you all. Coralbelle

[Newt]

Sounds like you might have lilac leafminer.* Here's some info with a picture at the bottom you can click on to enlarge.
http://www.gov.pe.ca/af/agweb/index.php3?number=74338

Is that what you see?

Newt

[coralbelle]

Hey Newt, I've tried to see what is causing the holes in the leaves but can't really see an insect. There seems to be a tiny black spot or two on the backside of the leaf. The edges of the leaf has a circular cut out about the size of a quarter. The leaves are also starting to drop. I see no webs or anything like I saw the first day I noticed the problem. My other lilacs don't seem to be bothered. Thanks for the help, Coralbelle.

[Newt]

Coralbelle, you are so very welcome!* You may have more then one thing going on with this lilac.* I'm wondering if you may have leaf cutter bees making the cutouts in the leaves.* Take a look here to see if this is what it looks like to you.
http://www.ext.colostate.edu/pubs/insect/05576.html

My next though might be damage from stress of transplanting.* Also scroll down to 'Insects and Diseases'.*
http://spi.8m.com/care.htm

"Leaf Spotting and Browning
Some common problems that can occur when there are very high winds in late spring and early summer is leaf spotting and browning. These are only physical damages and will fix themselves. It happens when the wind and heat is just too much for the plant to get up the appropriate amount of water needed. Small brown spots are one indication and total leaf browning a more advanced state. Irrigate the plants in evening or early morning before the heat of the day. Water from ground level is best trying to not wet the leaves if possible."

Newt

[coralbelle]

Hey Newt, sorry I have not replied sooner - I was lucky and got to take girl scouts camping this past weekend in southern Minnesota. I would say that it is the bee that's doing the damage. My neighbors are having the same problem. Thanks for the links. This is a lilac that was a gift from my Mom and is the most unique I've seen as it has a purple and white striped flower. She ordered it from QVC of all places. It's funny though because my "Donald Wyman" lilacs haven't been bothered. I guess the bees don't like those leaves. As always I thank you for all the help you send my way. You are the best. Coralbelle.

[Newt]

Coralbelle, I sure hope you had a wonderful time with the girl scouts.* I used to love chaperoning the kids on school field trips and taking my kids and a bunch of their' friends camping.* Lots of work but so rewarding.

Glad you now know what is causing the damage.* Since bees are such good pollinators I leave them alone.* I'm sure you do too.* The lilac can afford the leaf damage and recover.* It sounds lovely too.

Glad I could help.* :)
Newt