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Codling Moth (Pests)
Description: The moth is small greyish with grey and copper stripes. The eggs are laid the fruit or leaves of fruit trees particularly the apple tree. When the larvae (often known as the apple worm) hatches it burrows into the fruit where is feeds for about 3 weeks before leaving to pupate elsewhere. The pest is responsible for major damage to apple crops.
Affects: Apple trees also some pear and walnut trees
Solution: Removal and destruction of fallen infested fruit.
Attach cardboard strips around tree and main branches to encourage larvae to pupate in these areas - these can then be removed.
Codling Moths traps are available these are used more to monitor the insects and decide the best time to spray.
Total exclusion netting can be used. Fruit protection bags have been developed to protect individual fruit.
Trichogramma carverae are minute wasps that parasitise the moth eggs and have been successful in controlling moth populations. These are available commercially.
Chemical control is required from when the blossoms fall to when the fruit is harvested, spraying every 10 to 14 days. Lebaycid used to be the chemical of choice but as of 1st November 2012 it is now illegal to use this chemical. Folimat is still available.
Note: Many chemicals sold can be harmful to other insects as well as some animals and in some cases, humans.
Always read the manufacturers instructions and warnings before you begin and use as directed.
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Collar Rot (Disease)
Description:
This is caused by a soil inhabiting fungus (Rhizoctonia solani)Young plants show a shrivelling of the stem at soil level and the plant collapses, turns brown and dies. This tends to be a problem in warm weather of late spring and autumn
Affects:
tomatoes, many veggies, seedlings and cuttings.
Solution:
Remove infected plants the soil around them and destroy. When planting do not plant too closely together to allow air to circulate around stems. Do not over water. Use fertilisers - healthy plants are better able to recover from the disease.
Note: Use registered fungicides with care.
Always read the manufacturers instructions and warnings before you begin and use as directed.
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Collar Rot - Citrus (Disease)
Description: Collar Rot is caused the fungus Phytophthora citrophthora This tends to affect citrus trees especially when they are young.
It is often associated with poor drainage especially after long periods of wet and humid conditions. It can also occur if watering system has been directly at the base of the tree or the base has been surrounded by too much mulch.
The first indication that there may be a problem occurs when the bark at the base of tree starts to turn black, this may be accompanied by gum oozing from the area. The tree will then show other signs of stress, leaves turning yellow, dieback and general loss of vigour.
Affects: Citrus trees - particularly 'Eureka' and 'Lisbon'
Solution: Prevention is the best solution. Make sure that the tree you have purchase has been grafted onto resistant stock Poncirus trifoliata or Citrange hybrids'Troyer' and Carrizo'
Before you plant the tree check soil is well drained. Once planted keep all weeds and other plants aways from the base; do not cover the base of the tree with soil and mulch; cut any low branches to encourage good air movement around tree
If it is too late and you have a tree that is affected. Your course of action will depend on how much of the crown has been infected. If more than half has been infected then remove and destroy the tree. If less than half is affected you can scrape away the infected material and paint with a curative fungicide. At the same time you need to improve the drainage, remove mulch and weeds from around the base and keep watering away from the trunk.
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Cotton or Hibiscus Harlequin Bug (Pests)
Description:
Conspicuous black and reddish orange bug around 12mm long. The insects have a waxy coat which protects them from sprays. They are sap suckers and cause new growth to wilt and die.
Both male and female beetles have a wonderful metallic sheen, the females tends to be more orange while the males tend to be predominantly blue with red and orange markings.
They are of the order Hemiptera, all stages have piercing and sucking mouthparts. Damage tends to be to young shoots.
They are also known as "stink bugs" as they have scent glands which produce a bad smell which, when it is emitted by one bug, triggers others in the group, multiplying the bad smell.
Affects:
The bugs feed on many hibiscus species as well as cultivated cotton.
Solution:
Remove by hand and place in bucket of soapy water. Spray bugs with soapy water (breaks down the waxy coat) - best in middle of the day whilst the bugs are enjoying the heat of the sun.
Chemical sprays that have proved effective Yates Confidor. It is now known that Confidor is harmful to bees and should only be used on plants that are not in flower or next to plants that are in flower.
Note: Many chemicals sold can be harmful to other insects as well as some animals and in some cases, humans.
Always read the manufacturers instructions and warnings before you begin and use as directed.
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Cottony Pigface Scale (Pests)
Description: Cottony Pigface scale is one of many types of soft scale.
We tend not to notice this scale until we see the large white cottony sac attached to the leaves and stems. The sac sticky and full of eggs the brown looking disc at the top is actually the female insect.
They don't seem to do too much damage if kept under control.
Affects: Affects both Pigface and Iceplants
Solution: They are very easy to remove by hand.
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Creeping Oxalis (Weeds)
Description:
Oxalis stricta is a creeping summer perennial. The leaves are small and tri-foliate. It has a slender taproot and roots at nodes along slightly hairy stems.
The flowers of oxalis corniculata are yellow and funnelform in shape, they can be solitary or in clusters at the end of slender stems. The seeds are dispersed by the explosive fruit so it is important to remove plants before the fruit appear.
They tolerate most soils and infest all parts of the garden.
Affects:
Solution:
Remove by hand. Take care when removing varieties that have stolons to remove all of the rooted sections.
Use a systemic herbicide.
Note: Many chemicals sold can be harmful to insects as well as some animals and in some cases, humans.
Always read the manufacturers instructions and warnings before you begin and use as directed.
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Cudweed (Weeds)
Description: Leaves bright shiny green above on upper surface, densely white hairy beneath. The basal leaves are very broad and all stem leaves of similiar size.
Flower heads are brown to purple spikes and develop on tall stems 20-60cm in height
It favours cool moist disturbed areas in the garden, lawns, garden beds and gaps in the paving and nursery pots.
Affects:
Solution: Keep lawn healthy and well fed during the warmer months. Re-seed bare patches created when weed removed.
Remove by hand.
Use a systemic broadleafed herbicide on lawns and spot spray on smaller infestations.
Note: Many chemicals sold can be harmful to insects as well as some animals and in some cases, humans.
Always read the manufacturers instructions and warnings before you begin and use as directed.
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Cup Moth - Spitfires, Chinese Junks (Pests)
Description:
It is the caterpillars of the Cup Moth that cause two problems, one to us and the other to the tree. Firstly, the young larvae feed in groups and can skeleton the upper leaf surface. Secondly, two pairs of spots at each end of their body contain stinging hairs that shoot out when the larvae is disturbed and can cause skin irritations and welts.
The larvae are easily recognisable and quite pretty, they tend to be green in colour with bright colour patterns on the body and saw tooth edge. When irritated the stinging hairs shoot our from the spots and the larvae can look like a Chinese festival dragon.
The pupa can be mistaken for gum nuts sitting along a twigs or small branches.
Photo - Project Noah
Affects:
Angophora costata, some species of Eucalyptus, Melaleucas, Prunus and Apples
Solution:
Can be removed by hand - but make sure you wear gloves and wear protective clothing.
If smaller trees are affected then they can be sprayed with Dipel or a Contact insecticide.
Larger trees are harder to treat and in most cases can just be left.
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Curl Grubs (Pests)
Description: Curl grubs is a term used to describe the larva of various beetles including the Christmas Beetle.
They are between 2-3cm long and curl forming a C shape. They have an orangey brown head, white body with 3 pairs of legs and a brown abdomen.
The grubs love decaying matter and soft roots. They hatch in late spring burrow into the soil and start eating the soft new roots.
They are found in the soil and compost heaps.
Affects: All plants with soft new roots are affected, flowers, vegetables, lawns and in severe cases can affect shrubs and trees.
Flowers and vegetable plants will start to wither, look stressed from lack of water and continue to do so no matter how much they are watered.
Lawns will start to develop browny yellow and may start to die.
Can be found in pot plants purchased from nurseries.
Solution: In beds: Before planting remove by hand any grubs found in the soil or compost.
Depending on the state of the plant it will have to be thrown it away or after checking for grubs moved to another area.
Then clear the area of curl grubs, soft roots and other plants before soaking the bed and leaving it for several weeks to break the cycle before planting again.
Tea Tree Oil and Neem Oil have been used successfully - follow the instruction carefully but remember this will also affect the good bugs in the soil.
In Lawns: It is harder to see them. Water lawn with biodegradable detergent and within 10mins the grubs will come to the surface, they can be removed by hand or left for the birds to eat.
Alternatively if the area is only small, throw a wet hessian sack over the affected area, leave over night, in the morning the grubs can be collected and destroyed.
Grubs like the soil to be dry so keep the lawn well watered.
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Damping Off - seedlings (Disease)
Description:
This is a fungal disease of seedlings. There are three fungi that have been implicated Pythium spp, Rhizoctonia and Phytophthora spp.
It is influenced by the poor drainage of the potting mix, over watering and oversowing.
The seeds germinate and seem healthy, the plant stem starts to rot near the soil surface, the plant wilts, falls over and dies.
Affects:
Seedlings
Solution:
Improve the drainage and air filled porosity of the growing media by using a course seed raising potting mix.
Before you start ensure that pots, benches and tools have been treated with disinfectant.
When sowing your seeds try not to over sow them, if using very small seed they can be mixed with sand for better distribution.
Follow advice on pack for best time to sow seeds
Reduce the moisture levels in the soil by always watering before noon.
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Dandelions (Weeds)
Description: Dandelion, or Taraxacum officinale, is a winter perennial with a thick fleshy tap root. Both the leaves and flower stems contain a white milky fluid. The leaves have large serrations which gives the plant its name "Dents de Leon' or lions teeth.The flowers are yellow and the seeds are easily scattered on the wind borne on feathery white hairs. Dandelions spread by both seed and stems from the root.
Affects:
Solution: Keep lawn healthy and well fed during the warmer months.
Remove by hand, just use a long gardeners knife to dig around the root and pull it out.
Use a broadleafed herbicide on lawn.
Note: Many chemicals sold can be harmful to insects as well as some animals and in some cases, humans.
Always read the manufacturers instructions and warnings before you begin and use as directed.
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Docks (Weeds)
Description:
Curly dock, or Rumex crispus, is a winter perennial that has a deep fleshy tap root and the leaves have a wavy appearance on their edges. The flowers are long green spikes which turns reddish brown on maturity. The flower grows 2 - 3 feet in height. They are found in the lawn and flowerbeds
Affects:
Solution:
Keep lawn healthy and well fed during the warmer months.
Remove by hand, just use a long gardeners knife to dig around the root and pull it out.
Use a broadleafed herbicide on lawn.
NOTE MOST CHEMICAL HERBICIDES CAN BE HARMFUL TO OTHER ANIMALS AND HUMANS. USE WITH CARE - READ LABEL AND FOLLOW MANUFACTURES INSTRUCTIONS
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Downy Mildew (Disease)
Description: Is first seen on the leaves as small light yellow spots or white, these become bigger and covered with white fungal threads (downy patches). which stunt growth. In some plants the new leaves can become distorted. This can be caused by various fungi each specific to a small range of plants. As wit all fungi they prefer warm humid coniditions.
Affects: Cucumber, pumpkin, lettuce, cabbage, cauliflower, leak, pea, onion, swede, grapes, roses and stock.
Solution: In humid areas aim to choose less susceptible varieties. In humid areas make sure the plants have lots of air around them to reduce the levels of humidity around the plant.
Prune and destroy all infected leaves immediately.
Plants can be sprayed or dusted with sulphur every week and after rain. Do not use sulphur when it is very hot or the plant is distressed.
There are some systemic fungicides that can be used, check labels for suitability with your plants.
Note: Use registered fungicides with care.
Always read the manufacturers instructions and warnings before you begin and use as directed.
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Earwig (Pests)
Description:
Earwigs are mostly scavengers, they live in crevices or decaying debris or just under the soil surface. The adults have shiney brown bodies with curved pincers at the end of their abdomen. They tend to feed during the night and spend the day in moist crevices.
Affects:
Dahlias, zinias, buddleia, lettuce, cauliflower, corn, potatoes, roses plus others
Solution:
Earwig traps can be made by crumpling damp newspaper in an upturned flower pot and placing it on pole close to the plants it has been feeding on. Each morning empty the earwigs into soapy water. Alternatively, leave a damp newspaper on the ground close to the plants and empty each morning into soapy water.
Unless they are destroying your crops there seems little need to use chemicals but if you do then Baythroid is registered for the control of earwigs - do not spray directly on plant but around the base.
Note: Many chemicals sold can be harmful to other insects as well as some animals and in some cases, humans.
Always read the manufacturers instructions and warnings before you begin and use as directed.
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Fig Tree Leaf Beetle - Poneridia semipullata (Pests)
Description: This as the name suggests is a pest of fig trees. Both larvae and adult can cause damage to the leaves.
The larvae are responsible for most of the damage on the new leaves and when they feed in groups as they often do they can destroy the new growth very quickly.
The adult beetles are about 10mm in length, brown in colour with a black dot on the thorax and the base of the wing covers. The adults tend to be more solitary and eat the edges of both new and old leaves leaving a scalloped pattern to the leaves.
Affects: Leaves of fig trees in spring and summer
Solution: The damage may not look very pretty but the insects are unlikely to kill the tree.
Encourage birds into your garden as they love feeding on the larvae. If the tree is small, the insects can be removed by hand or squirted off with water.
In severe cases chemicals can be used - speak to your local horticulturalist for the best option for your case.
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Fireweed (Weeds)
Description:
Fireweed (Senecio madagascariensis is a member of the Asteraceae (daisy) family. It has yellow daisy like flowers. They can vary in leaf shape (from entire to lobed) and growth height (10-60cm). The common form tends to be low growing, with a branched bushy habit.
Affects:
Fireweed is a problem in SE New South Wales. It grows well in most soil types that are well drained and lighter textured so can be a problem in garden beds.
It is a major problem on farms as it contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids that are toxic to livestock and can cause liver damage particulary in hungry or young stock.
Solution:
As with all members of the Asteraceae family they produce vast numbers of seeds. The key to controlling Fireweed is to remove the plants before they can produce any seeds. The plants take 6-10 weeks to produce flowers once they have emerged from the ground.
It is recommended to wear gloves when removing the weeds by hand. To destroy plants place in black plastic bag and leave in sun before throwing away.
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Author: Bob Saunders.