- Ensure that the entire length of the leader branch is secured to the stake.
- Avoid touching the top part of the damaged branch. Wait for the wound to heal. Roughly 2 months is enough.
After 2 months, I inspected the inside of the plastic straw pieces. I carefully removed the twist ties securing the wounded portion to the stake. I wasn't sure what to expect since it has been two months since I covered the wound. The stem seemed to have healed since it felt firmer and able to stay erect by itself.
I saw mealy bugs feasting on the previously covered portion of the branch. I wasn't expecting the presence of mealy bugs there, but I wasn't totally surprised. After all, mealy bugs are a notorious pest in our garden.
Here's a detailed view of the mealy bugs and from another angle.
Removing the Mealy Bugs
Removing the mealy bugs wasn't difficult. I simply scratched them off with my thumbnail and fingernails. Removing the mealy bugs exposed the successfully healed wound. There was a sign of callousing but not too much. The portion where the wound was looked thicker, harder and darker.
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