The black spots are a fungus disease called Tar Spot. It infects Norway maple (including all of the horticultural forms such as "Crimson King"), Silver maple and Freeman's maple. The disease infects leaves late in the season and has little impact on the overall health of the tree. The disease is already widespread and sanitation (leaf removal) is not effective in reducing the infestation level for the following year, so let the leaves decay under the trees to at least improve the soil health.

This is an indication of a fungal infection. Fungal infections are usually the result of warm temperatures, high humidity and low light levels. Treat the plants with a systemic fungicide such as Phyton 27.

Blackspot is a fungus that causes black spots about 1/16 to 1/2 inches in diameter to form on the leaves and sometimes stems. The infected leaves later turn yellow around the spots and eventually fall from the plant. In bad cases, blackspot can severely defoliate a rose bush. The conditions that promote blackspot are wet leaves, splashing water and warm temperatures. Here are some ways to combat blackspot. Most of these methods also apply to preventing and treating powdery mildew.

A healthy tree 10-17 inches in diameter (31-53 inch circumference) should have no more than one tap. A tree 18-24 inches in diameter (57-75 inch circumference) should have no more than two taps. A tree larger than 25 inches in diameter (79-inch circumference) should have no more than three taps.

A fungus called Blackspot. It is a common disease in our humid summers. Spraying a fungicide and increasing sun and circulation helps reduce this disease.

Black spots are endemic in a number of varieties of orchids, most notably those in the Oncidium or Oncidium family intergenerics. These spots are not a sign of disease. They cannot be removed, and will not spread from plant to plant. You can think of them as freckles. These spots are generally small and dry. If, however, your plant suddenly develops large black spots, particularly if they are moist, this could be a sign of disease.

This is generally a leaf rot caused by types of fungi that are commonly classified as Cercospora or Colletotrichum. Many times this rot will start out as yellow spots, gradually turning to a brown or black color. Note that certain plants such as most Oncidium hybrids often get several small black spots on the leaves due to the sun. In this case it is natural spotting and will not harm the plant.

Black spots on flowers are usually caused by Botrytris, a fungus. The problem is caused by poor air circulation and too much moisture. The remedy is to increase air circulation and reduce the humidity.

Sooty Mold - Appears as a black, sooty growth on the upper side of leaves. Is harmless, but indicates that an insect was or is present (usually aphids, whiteflies or scales). Whiteflies. As these piercing-sucking insects feed on the undersides of the leaves, they secrete a sticky, clear fluid that drops onto the leaves below. Sooty mold grows upon this secretion. Sooty Mold Water or Varietal Problem. The problem of splitting fruits usually occurs in the early fall.

Look beyond the discoloration for piercing, sucking insects that are causing the discoloration. Often aphids, whiteflies and scale insects are feeding on the undersides of leaves and along stems and producing excreta that falls on the leaves. A sooty mold fungus then lives on the nutrient-rich excreta to produce the unsightly leaves. Some insect activity and sooty mold growth can usually be ignored, usually on older trees.

Lance Harringtion wrote "I have hard water spots on my orchids leaves, can you tell me how to remove them without hurting the plant. I have tried vinegar and water." Here is a list of possible ways to remove the hard water spots. Thanks to all the members of OLD for their contributions on this subject. This makes the leaves clean and shiny. It also lasts a long time. This will not hurt the leaves the way general "leaf shine" type products may do.

With the release of the initial two papers describing chromosomal DNA sequences from a Neandertal, I thought I would put together some frequently asked questions and answers to them. I actually have been frequently asked most of these questions this week -- mostly by journalists -- so I think this is a good list. I'll be following up over the next few weeks with additional details, particularly as some of our own work moves forward.

The best spacing is about one tree in an area measuring 30 feet x 30 feet, or 50-60 mature trees per acre. Initially, a maple grower may start with a higher density of trees but will thin several times to achieve a final density of 50-60 trees per acre. The bottom 4-6 feet or tapping zone will be reduced in value by defects associated with tapping. Above this zone, the quality of the wood will not be affected by tapping.

We'll dealing with a two-strikes against situation. Black is dominant, but is diluted by Dun, and modified by Agouti This means both parents have to carry black or be black. Then you have to get the spots, which, as discussed earlier, you are getting 50/50 chances. If black spotted animals are only bred to gray-dun, then you have taken away the necessary factor to match up the black.

Fretting is a common problem with Tin Plating. This is surface damage created when there is relative motions and strong contacts between parts, usually during shipping and handling. The tin plating shows black or worn spots caused by rubbed or scratched by another part. This oxide does not effect the parts functionally. They are still solderable. A way to eliminate fretting is by changing the type of packaging. (Layer packing or plastic trays are recommended) - Metal Finishing Guidebook 1997

Those “water spots” on dishes are precipitates, or minerals in the water that are left behind when water evaporates. To prevent this, use a rinsing agent such as JetDry, which improves the sheeting action of water and helps to prevent spotting. Also, be sure to use the proper amount of dishwashing detergent. Using too little may not get your dishes clean, and using too much can cause etching, which is tiny scratches on the surface of the glass that cannot be removed.

This area of research has a long history, since a record of tree growth is found in the thickness of the rings seen in a cross-section of a tree trunk. In addition, the proportion of Carbon 14 contained in trees is another proxy indicator of solar activity. There have been many studies of the variation of these quantities over the past 20,000 years which reveal temporal periods that are also known to exist in the solar activity cycle.

The black on the bottom of your tomatoes is called "blossom end rot." It is caused by a lack of calcium and other ingredients from the potting mix. Adding 2 cups of hydrated lime to the potting mix before planting as in the instructions can help prevent the blossom end rot from forming. In the event the blossom end rot still presents itself mix 1/4 cup of hydrated lime with one gallon of water and add that to the resevior the next time you fill your Earthbox with water.

They are probably pet stains, but can also be water. The fact is that nobody can tell you if sanding will remove them until you physically try with a professional machine.