Oleander aphid

of abdomen). Nymphs are similar to apterae in appearance except that they are smaller. Size ranges from 1.5 to 2.6 mm in length. Females are viviparous [...] oleander aphid is cosmopolitan, and can be found in tropical to warm temperate regions throughout the world. It probably originated in the Mediterranean [...] the milkweed aphid, is a common pest of several important ornamental plants in the families Apocynaceae and Asclepiadaceae. It is commonly found feeding

Phytoseiulus persimilis

This has the advantage that an outbreak is quickly and effectively dealt with, but the disadvantage is that it disappears rapidly in the absence of suitable [...] persimilis is sensitive to relative humidity below 70%. Phytoseiulus persimilis in bottles The predatory mite Phytoseiulus persimilis is available in a bottle [...] are similar to the adults in appearance, but smaller in size. Best conditions for use of Phytoseiulus persimilis Phytoseiulus persimilis is most effective

Verticillium wilt

causes the xylem vessels to get blocked, which in turn causes the plant to wilt. Spores may be wind-dispersed to new hosts. In the senescent tissue, the [...] are pale-green, then orange-yellow. In the beginning the plant seems to recover at night. The symptoms may occur only in parts of the plant. Cutting the stalk [...] cuttings Grow less susceptible cultivars Prevent damage to the roots by controlling the nematodes, as damaged spots can be used as points of entry Prevent

Asian citrus psyllid

It is widely distributed in southern Asia and the disease is responsible for the destruction of several citrus industries in Asia and Africa. In North [...] feeding damages citrus by burning back new shoots or causing leaves to twist or notch as they mature. Worst damage is done when the insect is vector of [...] however the state of Florida is the most affected area by the vectored disease. Damage symptoms The psyllid is a sucking insect that inserts its mouthparts into

Beet armyworm

caterpillars, the damage can spread to the stems, and in the worst cases to the fruit. This often leads to the entire contents being consumed. In ornamental crops [...] horticulturalists due to its resistance to nearly all insecticides, and its ability to develop on wild vegetation during the summer. It is highly polyphagous [...] families. It is a serious pest in greenhouses, where it feeds on ornamental plants such as chrysanthemum, gerbera, roses and potted plants. In both the greenhouse

Loose smut of wheat

smut of wheat General Ustilago nuda f.sp. tritici is a basidiomyceteous fungus that affects wheat. It is also known as loose wheat smut, or loose smut of [...] Infection mostly occurs before pollination and within one to two days after pollination. Damage symptoms Infection by Ustilago nuda f.sp. tritici remains [...] olive-brown smut spores. Solution Finder Find solutions for your crop Damage symptoms How to prevent Loose smut of wheat Use clean seed: Apply systemic fungicide

Fusarium wilt

The Fusarium oxysporum life cycle, is similar to that of most Fusarium species. Fusarium overwinters for many years in the soil and on crop residues of infected [...] clean substrate in greenhouse crops Disinfect tools, machinery and irrigation water in greenhouses Prevent stress for the plants Ensure there is adequate soil [...] General Fusarium is a group of soil-borne fungi with many different species. Fusarium is widespread and can infect a range of host crops. Many species

Cottony cushion scale

the world. It is also periodically discovered in greenhouses in temperate regions, but is not generally a pest in these situations. Damage symptoms Cottony [...] cushion scale, Icerya purchasi , is considered to have originated in Australia. It was accidentally introduced to California in about 1868 and devastated the [...] ornamental shrubs and trees. Damage is mostly caused by sap depletion; the shoots dry up and die, and defoliation occurs. In addition, the copious quantities

Melon thrips

and die. Damaged terminal become discoloured, stunted and deformed. They preferably feed on leaves, less damage to buds and flowers. In addition to direct [...] lays 1 to 8 eggs per day, with 3 to 164 eggs lays during their lifespan. Mated female lays 3 to 204 eggs. Eggs are deposited in leaf tissue in a slit cut [...] drops to soil and pupate in soil. There are two pupal stages viz., prepupae and pupae. Adults are pale yellow or white in colour and 0.8 to 1mm in length

Southern blight

was first observed in tomato crops in Florida in 1892, and it has been regularly reported as causing rotting to the root and stem in tomato plants. Significant [...] southern blight is a disease caused by the fungus Athelia (Sclerotium) rolfsii . It is an important plant pathogen that inhabits the soil, and is responsible [...] cotyledons, and roots. The main damage caused by damping-off is reduction of the stand, meaning it is very often necessary to replant, which increases the