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argh! what's eating my leaves?

Posted by peacelovinglily (My Page) on
Tue, Nov 17, 09 at 2:42

ARRRGH!

a)
leave with holes

b)
Photobucket

c)
Photobucket
Re photo a)and b) - Well I think I know what's been eating them - I discovered this little green grub caterpillar- like thing on a leaf for both plants, and scraped it off. But HOW can one tiny little grub do so much damage (I only managed to photograph one set of leaves, a whole lot of the bottom leaves look curled, holey and spotted)? And I've only found one so far; are there likely to be more? Where do they come from?

Could someone advise on how to treat the leaves and prevent this happening again? What are the consequences of leaving them there? I bought some 'tomato dust'; will that help?

Re photo c) - um, I'm not sure what's wrong with this plant. Unlike the others, it's the entire plant. All I know is that unlike the other plants, this plant has become very yellow, weak-looking, has curled leaves and isn't growing anything. Any ideas?

*panicking*


Follow-Up Postings:

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RE: argh! what's eating my leaves?

It might be hornworms that are causing all the damage and if you found one you can be sure there are many more they're just good at hiding.

DLF


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RE: argh! what's eating my leaves?

Hmm, the green 'things' I picked off didn't have horns...either way, how can I stop them?


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RE: argh! what's eating my leaves?

Spray with soapy water every other night


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RE: argh! what's eating my leaves?

I see what looks like flea beetle damage in picture "b". For flea beetle damage, most people ignore it as it goes away as the plant matures. I don't know why that is, but I get them on 50% or more of my transplants every year and they grow out of it. The beetles must not like the older leaves, or their "season" must just be for a certain length of time.


 
 

 

 


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