Can anyone identify what this is. It has popped up on a few of my persimmon saplings. I've been cleaning off the leaves or pulling them off and throwing them in the fire pit. I'm sure there is a better way to go about it. It's causing some leaves to be
deformed or damaged. :(

Hi Spore,

I'm not certain because I can't see the closeup image clearly but it reminds me of mealybugs: https://www.google.com/search?...

An easy way to eradicate them is by taking a q-tip cotton swab and dipping it in isopropyl alcohol and wiping the blobs of mealybugs off. Check all the nooks and crannies and also the undersides of the leaves of your plant also.

Insecticidal soap also works well for mealybugs as well as other plant pests and can usually be found in your local garden center.