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Australian Native Plants

Tiny orange worms on dianella plants

13 years ago

I would love to identify some very small bright orange worms found within the leaves of many nursery dianellas. These first appeared as dormant jelly bean like pests at the very base of the plant and deep within the blades. They became active when warm and thrive if plants are watered regularly. They leach from the leaf causing it to yellow and then death of the plant is rapid before they move on. Please help if you have any knowledge what these are. The damage is akin to a nematode but the size and shape is maggot like.

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Comments (2)

funnelweb
13 years ago
I know what I'd use, Stephen, a systemic insecticide sprayed (according to directions) over the whole plant. Used according to the directions it (they) are quite safe. I'd recommend something like Labacid.
EdwardThirlwall
13 years ago
Pest control is sometimes inevitable when we have fruits, flowers and other plants. However, proper storage also plays a crucial part in keeping those pests away. Find out from friends who own similar plantations or research in online forums and blogs on how you can prevent pests from getting onto your plants. There are proper storage methods like plastic sheets, the correct temperature, material of the storage pots and many more that can be considered for a change. Pests are part of nature and we will always encounter them when we are planting, but if there are ways and methods to prevent or at least mitigate their problem, then we should follow strictly. It saves time and effort and also costs.
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