Elder - insects or disease? (no picture)

[Saille]

Sorry, I don't have a photo of this so you're all going to moan at me, but even a thousand different answers would be better than none!

The other day I had to tidy up my gran's garden as it was the first time it had been touched in years. My mum insisted I take down a young elder (3-4 years old) because it was contaminated with 'fungi'. The new stems and the underside of the leaves were all covered in what looked like a bluish-grey powder. I have no idea if this was a fungus (I doubt it), a virus or just a few billion insect eggs. I do like my conservation but haven't come across anything like it before. I was in a real hurry and didn't have time to ID it or even take a picture, but it would be good to know in case I ever encounter this again.

If anyone has any ideas to what it might be I am desperate to hear them, it's been really bugging me ever since.

Thanks!

Saille.x

[Hedera]

Could it be some kind of aphid? We get black blight on elder round here, but there are so many kinds.

[KeenTeen17]

Photos would help but Black Blight sounds like a possibility

[ceterach]

Hi Hedera and KT,

I have never heard of Black Blight, what is it? Anyway a "bluish gray powder" sounds like Elder Aphid (Aphis sambuci) to me.

All the best

[Saille]

Thanks John,

I looked up the Elder Aphid (Aphis sambuci) and yes, that's exactly what I saw.

http://www.timbersports.ca/global/kn...rblattlaus.jpg

When I looked it up, I saw a comment saying that no control measures were necessary. Was I wrong to take down the tree?

Thanks,

Saille.x