A photo would be helpful, but I have to wonder if you aren't describing scale rather than a disease. Search scale insect and see if any match what you have...

I'd say that a photo is imperative in obtaining an identification.

Scale, an insect not a fungus, is what comes to mind. Fungicides will not help control scale. Dormant oil sprays, applied during the dormant season, or Superior oil sprays, applied during the growing season with due care are the usual methods of treatment.

Here is a link that might be useful: Plant scale

regardless of what they look like.. they do NOT move right???

check out the link.. anything look familiar??

if so.. and if labeled for such.. i would use bayer systemic tree and shrub.. according to the label ...

ken

Here is a link that might be useful: link

Oh yes! It looks exactly like the cottony maple scale. I'm sorry I don't know how to upload an image or I would have. Any suggestions as to how to deal with the scale?

Thank you all for the advice; I would never have identified it otherwise. I'll pick up some Bayer Systemic tree and shrub and some superior oil sprays.

either or.. no need for both a systemic and an oil ...

and dont think.. that after you deal with them.. they will disappear.. their dead carcases .. will hang there for a long time...

ken

There is more and more evidence that the systemic pesticides are doing great harm to our pollinators, bees, and not all systemic pesticides will control scale. The first line of defense is natural predators, but spraying broad spectrum poisons eliminates those. Next are the horticultural oils, which also must be used with due care to protect the beneficial insects.

I've had the best luck with scale using hort oils. They cannot become resistant, it kills the scale throughout the life cycle, and since it's a suffocant, the only mortalities are the pests on the plant when you spray. It's very kind to beneficials in that respect. If done properly severe scale infestations can be halted rather dramatically. Care must be taken to prevent phytotoxicity and that's the biggest concern. But the damage is for the most part temporary and regrows if it does happen.

Ditto what calliope says...