Description: Plants show brown blotches or stunted and distorted growth. Bug is dark to grayish-brown above and paler color underneath.
Control: Pick bugs by hand. They will hide under boards, etc., placed near the plants.
* Spray with Rotenone, Pyrethrum or Diazinon. Remove debris so bugs cannot overwinter.
* Pesticide use and recommendations for various areas are constantly changing. Check with your County agent for current recommendations.
Problem: Aphids Affected Area: Leaf and Stem
Description: Small Insects found on new stems and the underside of the leaf. Usually green. They suck fluids from the plant leaving a honey dew substance behind. Leaves turn pale yellow.
Control: Insecticidal soaps or a strong stream of water. Ladybug beetles are natural predators.
* Thiodan or Diazinon ? more than one application may be required.
A layer of aluminum foil under plants reflects light to underside of leaves and may deter aphids.
* Pesticide use and recommendations for various areas are constantly changing. Check with your County agent for current recommendations.
Problem: Powdery Mildew Affected Area: Leaf
Description: White powdery substance on leaves.
Control: Use surface or underground watering methods to avoid wetting leaves. Plant
resistant varieties. Rotate planting location from year to year.
Problem: Mosaic virus Affected Area: Leaf and Fruit
Description: Deformed (bumps) and discolored fruit and leaves.
Control: Plant resistant varieties. Control insects. Rotate location.
Insects, particularly honeybees, pollinate these plants. If they are not available the plants may not set fruit due to lack of pollination. Insufficient pollination sometimes results in deformed fruits.
Container Gardens