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smasraum

Hibuscus leaves growing hair

smasraum
16 years ago

There's something on the bottoms of some of the leaves on my hibiscus, and I've found some on a couple of begonia leaves. It starts as a white spiral pattern on the back of the leaves, then it ends up as weird white hair (my hibiscus are old and growing beards??) and eventually I see little white moths mixed in and around the "hair".

Any idea what this stuff is and the best way to get rid of it?? It's creepy.

Thanks

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Comments (2)

  • jean001
    16 years ago

    Wowsers! Those are great pictures of a raging case of giant whitefly.

    The spiral patterns are rows of eggs.
    The tiny white moths are instead the whiteflies.
    The hairs/beard are produced by the nymphs (youngsters).

    Far different to control than the more common whitefly. If I recall correctly, natural enemies have been introduced into several places but I don't know the outcome.

    Depending upon the size of the plant, you can physically rub them out of existence.

    Which state do you live in? You might call your county's Extension Service office for suggestions of how to manage them.

  • jean001
    16 years ago

    Here's info from the University of CA.

    http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn7400.html

    Here is a link that might be useful: management of giant whitefly

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