Insects & other pests plentiful

9 years ago

last modified: 9 years ago

Anyone see an increase this year in insect damage. I posted it on this forum but could have posted it to..., herbs, or grapes (if there is one). My rosemary and Greek Oregano, having done well for years, now have thrips, my grapes (normally the vine from he//), has something eating the leaves and my Valencia Orange had an infestation of aphids. This are all outdoor plants (the Orange goes into my garage). I wonder if it was a mild Winter, wet Spring...? This was the first chance I have had all growing season to really tend to the Citrus, so they were top dressed or transplanted feed with CitrusTone or Miracid fertilizer, or pruned. Flowering was a disappointment this year (too cold and/or dark in March and April. On a positive note, figs are looking fabulous this year..., none of that ugly, viral yellowing of previous years.

;

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uncle molewacker z9b Danville CA (E.SF Bay)

9 years ago

Far fewer insects and damage this year for me in NorCal. We had a relatively cool, wet spring. I am sure they are breeding now that it is warm. And probably marching in from my neighbors yard - - - I await them. Grrr

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Comments (12)

Laura LaRosa (7b)
9 years ago
I noticed a ton of aphids on my milkweed a few days ago which I proceeded to shoot down with my neem/HO/alcohol mix. I need to check to see if they are back. Other than that, no, I have not seen anything out of the ordinary.
Vladimir (Zone 5b Massachusetts)
9 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
It would be helpful if you gave the area of the country/world you are in.

I have seen no increase in pest activity. I grow citrus, figs and various vegetables including tomatoes, squashes, peas, chard, kale, eggplant, lettuce, potatoes, garlic, sorrel and onions.
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Original Author
9 years ago
Laura, I have seen that occurring on milkweed almost seasonally. A few years ago, I planted the "hardy" Swamp Milkweed and ONE tropical milkweed. The hardy milkweed was very disappointing in performance. Will check tomorrow to see if it is still around. Meanwhile, the "tropical/non-hardy" one reseeded itself last year and spread. It does have beautiful orange-red flowers and does get the butterflies. Did not notice the tropical species yet though. Will check on that tomorrow too. Some of these infestations are so unpredictable; last year, my Oleanders were covered with orange aphids..., this year NONE.

P.S,, "It would be helpful if you gave the area of the country/world you are in."

I am in an Eastern Zone 7.
Susanne Michigan Zone 5/6
9 years ago
Lots of aphids, lots of ladybugs. Sometimes it helps to really sit on my hands and see if there is a balance.
Laura LaRosa (7b)
9 years ago
I will look tomorrow at the milkweed - it is swamp milkweed which is a native here in MD. They are growing well so far, but I planted them a couple of months ago. Vladimir, I was just thinking of you and your new fig obsession. Four of my five trees are loaded with figs....I am going to have to get creative in the kitchen and make lots of marmalade!
PKG
9 years ago
Citrus leaf miners showed up in full force here in so. Cal about the second week of June.
hibiscus909
9 years ago
I don't grow it, but someone was telling me about a milkweed-specific aphid, and I think it was supposed to be a good thing? Or at least, they only host on that milkweed.
User
9 years ago
It's interesting you say that PKG. my navel orange tree got hit big time last year by CLM but I have only seen one or two leaves this year.
PKG
9 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
That is surprising to me Bacon. Are your trees filled with summer flush? The only tree of mine that is not getting clm is the tarocco as it has not yet summer flushed.
User
9 years ago
Yeah mine are putting out a lot of new leaves. The navel orange but out a bunch 2-3 months ago but is putting on more now. The blood orange and mandarin (planted in the last couple months) are also putting out a fair amount of new growth and only a couple leaves have been hit so far. I have been surprised and waiting.
PKG
9 years ago
Just put on the annual dose of Bayer 2 weeks ago and it seems like its starting kick in on a few of the trees.