Insect-vectored disease spread by thrips. Most common in the southeast Physical Description Species & Taxonomy Kingdom: Phylum: Class: Order: Family: Genus Species: Lifecycle Plants Affected Tomatoes Peppers Plants Unaffected Geographical Range Most common in the southeast Signs & Symptoms Whole Plant black streaks on petioles or stems growing tips are usually severely […]
Leafhoppers seem to be the bain of my existence…well, not really – but they sure complicate my veggie gardening. They would only be mildly annoying, if it weren’t for the diseases they spread. Physical Description very small insects, ranging from 1/12 – 1/8 inches long (2-3 mm). They are wedge-shaped, with narrow bodies that are […]
Curly Top is an insect-vectored viral disease spread by beet leafhoppers, which affects many plants. The beet leafhopper loves warm and dry weather, so that’s when infections are most severe. Species & Taxonomy Kingdom: Phylum: Class: Order: Family: Genus Species: Plants Affected beet family crops: beets, spinach, swiss chard tomato family crops: tomatoes, potatoes, tomatillos, […]
Flea beetles, part of the Chrysomelidae family,are tiny black or brown-bronze beetles that jump like a flea, and leave tiny holes or divots in the leaves. They seem to especially love eggplant leaves. Fruits, like eggplant, also get damaged with scarring from the flea beetles feeding. Productivity is also reduced because they love the new leaves, growing tips […]
often cut new transplants or seedlings off cleanly near soil level green caterpillars that chew large holes in leaves (RGVPS) note: more of a brown than a green, to me Google Images handpick
Most notorious pest of potatoes; chew large holes in leaves. Handpick the beetles & grubs when found; plants can withstand moderate damage. Physical Description Potato beetle grubs are humpbacked yellow grubs Adults are yellow or orange beetles with black stripes on their backs Species & Taxonomy Kingdom: Phylum: Class: Order: Family: Genus Species: Lifecycle […]
Slender beetles that chew foliage – don’t touch them without gloves; they secrete an oil that can cause skin to blister (RVGPS) Physical Description slender beetles that chew foliage Species & Taxonomy Kingdom: Phylum: Class: Order: Family: Genus Species: Lifecycle Plants Affected Plants Unaffected Geographical Range Signs & Symptoms Whole Plant […]
Look for aphids on the underside of leaves and at buds in peppers In brassicas (broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage) they will be found all around curled new leaves, as well as on the stem, and under older leaves they leave sticky spots of honeydew, which initially look shiny & sticky, but can sometimes turn black from […]
The best and latest advice for beating pests, diseases, and weeds and staying a step ahead of trouble in the garden.Written by Fern Marshall Bradley. From the family and publishing house that wrote the book on organic gardening and sustainable agriculture comes the ultimate resource for the backyard gardener. Well-organized with tons of information and […]