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White bug/worm enfolded in dying leaves

17 years ago

I have two prunus tree shrubs in pots and both have been infested for months now with a worm type bug which lives and eats the leaf/leaves it has coocooned itself in. These leaves then turn brown and die.

I am not a gardener myself but I have sprayed and drenched the shrubs, but nothing has worked and these plants that were expensive, frankly look a state.

I would greatly appreciate any information that might identify what this pest is and hopefully how to get rid of it.

Thank you.

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Comments (2)

rhizo_1 (North AL) zone 7
17 years ago
Are you thinking that it is a caterpillar of some sort? If so, there are many species of caterpillars that roll or sandwich the leaves, often pupating inside. The geometrids, for example, are so numerous and often so similar that it would be nearly impossible for all but a geometrid-meister to identify it for you!

Anyway, investigate to see if they are (or have already) pupated inside the leaves. If they are still present, you can hand remove the critters and dispose of them.

Just as the caterpillars have begun to hatch out (learn to look for moth eggs) is the best time to apply Bacillus thuringiensis, Bt. It is a highly effective biological control agent for caterpillars, but only works when they are very young. Since your plants are containerized, observation shouldn't be too challenging. Bt will ONLY work on caterpillars, by the way, so let's be determined about proper identification.

If you do a search on 'leaf roller caterpillar' you will find that many of the geometrid caterpillars are white, especially when young.

Here is a link that might be useful: {{gwi:1193976}}
alim
Original Author
17 years ago
Thank you Rhizo, I think you have hit the nail on the head...or caterpillar! I did think they looked like caterpillars, but thought that a daft idea this time of year - I did say I wasn't a gardener!

Anyway, I will pick off those that I can see and give the plant a spray as you adviced. I will work on the premis that it can't do the plant any more harm than it is suffering at the moment. Thank you again, much appreciated.
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Start over yes. That plant can't be saved. Did you remove all the peat pot when planted? If not then that is just another problem for this poor plant.. Get a bigger container, fill it with any good soil-less potting mix and plant seeds in it directly. Cukes do not like to be transplanted unless absolutely necessary. You might also want to do some reading over on the Container Gardening forum here. Lots to learn first to save yourself all these problems. If you are going to try growing things from seed indoors then some reading on the Growing from Seed forum too will be of a big help if for no other reason than to avoid the leggy plant problems. Dave
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