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something is eating the chlorophyll from my leaves

poncirusguy6b452xx

10 years ago

My plants and trees are being attacked by some thing that is removing the chlorophyll. So far the citrus trees are the only ones not attacked. The beet greens are picked and eaten by the time of full development and the spinach was just eaten. The sour cherry leaf is below as a macro shot.

Are insects bad to eat as beat and spinach have a fair share

Thank steve

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Comments (5)

citrange2
10 years ago
Spider mites - lots of them visible in your picture, although needs better focus.
hoosierquilt USDA 10A Sunset 23 Vista CA
10 years ago
Spider mites. Bad infestation. They are not "eating the chlorophll", but are sucking out the fluid out of the cells of the leaves. It will leave a classic stippled appearance.

Patty S.

Here is a link that might be useful: UC IPM: Identifying Spider Mites
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poncirusguy6b452xx
Original Author
10 years ago
Thanks for getting back. This unfortunately was my best picture out of 20.

I have completed a finger/thumb crushing wipe on every leave of all my trees. I have used

Spectracide Triazicide "Once & Done!" insect killer

Ortho VOLCK Oil Spray

Spectracide Immunox multi porpose Fungicide

I have sprayed through out winter to be preventative.

I have soap water and rotenone pyrethrins Any sugestions.

Thanks steve
hoosierquilt USDA 10A Sunset 23 Vista CA
10 years ago
OH my gosh, Steve. A good hosing off in the bath tub and some Neem is plenty. Triazicide is not that effective. The Volck may help, Neem is probably better, but Volck oil may work. Not sure you need to go to that extent, just washing off with water and Neem usually does the trick. It may take a couple of applications, and be sure to check any other houseplants as well, and also treat.

Patty S.
poncirusguy6b452xx
Original Author
10 years ago
Thanks Patty and Citrange. I have crushed, shower sprayed, and Oiled. I believe I have the upper hand on these mites.

Can you tell me the difference between Neem and volck.

Steve

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