What is attacking my basil? Whiteflies?

11 years ago

last modified: 11 years ago

I have an indoor growlight which has allowed me to successfully grow basil, thyme, parsley and rosemary through the winter. My basil, has been attacked recently. See pics. In this pot, there are 3 stems. On one of the stems, the leaves are starting to droop - is that because of the pests?

I have tried spraying a solution of dishwashing liquid, rubbing alcohol and water. I don't know if my spray is hurting the plant though. It definitely kills the little tiny white dots that I see sometimes (they are about the size of this period and they move slowly, but quickly if they sense movement).

The plant is about 10 months old.

Please help! Thank you.

Featured Answer

balloonflower

11 years ago

Honestly, I couldn't tell you if the propagated cuttings have the same age as the mother plant. My gut says no, since they have to establish their own root systems. But, I do not know for sure, and only grow mine outside during the 4 months I can, starting from seed.

I would think that amt of alcohol is not your problem, but don't know about the bug damage either. I mostly deal with whiteflies and aphids, plus powdery mildew on my indoor pots, but don't recognize damage like that.

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Comments (10)

balloonflower
11 years ago
Basil is an annual. 10 months is quite old. Start taking cuttings--I would personally replace every 3-4 months. Congrats on keeping inside for that length--it's one of the tougher ones for that.

What ratio are you using the alcohol at? Haven't personally tried it, but I believe it can be as hard on the plant as it is on the bugs.
zzackey
11 years ago
If you tap the plant the white flies should fly up. I would toss it if you have them.
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xiaobao12
Original Author
11 years ago
zackey, I guess I don't have whiteflies. I don't see anything flying up. Like I said, it's little white tiny critters that are about the size of this period --->.

You can see the damage in the pictures but I still don't have an answer for what caused that.
xiaobao12
Original Author
11 years ago
balloonflower, I wasn't clear - the basil is actually about an year old but it has been propagated many times. The 3 stems here are propagated and they are about 4 months old. When you talk about age with plants, do you count the age of the mother plant?

As for the alcohol, I only used a tsp for a small spray bottle.

I will also try replanting the plants tomorrow, the soil is getting dried out very fast and their roots are getting exposed and one has toppled even.

Any more advice would be appreciated. Thank you.
xiaobao12
Original Author
11 years ago
Anybody? =)
zzackey
11 years ago
Can you take a couple of leaves to your local Agricultural center of a good garden center?
xiaobao12
Original Author
11 years ago
That's a great idea. Didn't think about it. Thanks and I will report back.

By the way, my plants are doing wonderful now, after putting the cuttings in soil and replanting the mother plant. see pic. Maybe they were just thirsty =)
zzackey
11 years ago
They look alot happier. I'm interested in know what it is on your leaves.
martini100_gw
11 years ago
That is damage from thrips. I have them on my basil too. Try neem oil or spinocad or insecticidal soap. Should clear them up. Be sure to spray underside of leaves. That's where they live.