Root Aphids on violas and Pansies

8 years ago

Hi! Last season I planted 8 flats of Violas and several flats of Pansies in landscape beds in my front yard. Within a couple of weeks the plants went limp and started dying. I found out they were root aphids when I looked with magnifying glass. I sprayed BT and then tried Pyrethrum insecticide to no avail. Within a month the entire bed was wiped out. I understNd that root aphids eggs can over winter and I’m worried they will come back. I was told to put out Beneficial nematodes which I have done. Is there anything else Ican do to prevent these things from coming back? Thank you so much!

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rhizo_1 (North AL) zone 7

8 years ago

Why would you use Bt?

Did you research your use of the nematodes carefully? The right species must be used for the specific pest and the timing of the application is crucial. I've never heard of nematodes being applied at the beginning of the winter months....are you from the Southern hemisphere?

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Comments (6)

Jean
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
Root aphids-- if that's what they are -- are basically impossible to get rid of.

It's impossible to get into all the cracks and crevices of soil where they might be.

All those things you tried won't work.

The only thing that does work is to grow something that's not susceptible to them.

Please post pictures.

P.S.: both pansies & violas die from root rot.
luvpatch2 thanked Jean
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luvpatch2
Original Author
8 years ago
rhizo_1 I live in Houston and we plant violas and Pansies in the Fall. I had read on some website about using Heterorhabditis Bacteriophora nematodes. I tried BT early on last year because I had read on an organic website somewhere to try that. It didn't work. Jean: I can't post pictures because my problem was with root aphids last season and I am planting again that same bed this year and I want to try and prevent them from coming back. Thanks!
kimmq
8 years ago
Which form of Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) did you use? There are several strains and each is effective treating certain insect pests. Timing is also essential since many of the insects will not be susceptible to the disease after a certain age.
Jean
8 years ago
No form of Bt is effective against root aphids. Someone is (was?) distributing mis-information.
nandina
8 years ago
Been there. Had this problem with wilting pansies. The following is an easy solution that works. Purchase a small bottle of castor oil at a drugstore. Pour 3 tablespoons of castor oil in a standard size watering can which is filled with water and stir rapidly/thoroughly with a throwaway stick. Carefully water each plant at the roots when planting with this mixture. If any is left over re-water at plant roots. This method will also stop mole and vole damage. Best to use and save an old watering can for this job as the castor oil will turn the can interior black and yucky.