Hydoponic pests - Ask Extension
I grow part of my garden in hydroponic barrels. The plants include cucumbers, tomatoes, beans, squash and cabbage. The plants grow very vibrantly and ...
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Hydoponic pests #868079
Asked May 12, 2024, 1:42 PM EDT
I grow part of my garden in hydroponic barrels. The plants include cucumbers, tomatoes, beans, squash and cabbage. The plants grow very vibrantly and quickly, and then they get eaten by something, and the leaves turn brown and crumbly. The in-ground plants just a few feet away are not affected. I don't see any webs, so I don't think it's spider mites, and I cannot see any bugs when I scour the leaves. I've tried Neem oil directly on the plants, with so success. I also place a pesticide on the tops of the barrels, away from the openings. I am getting discouraged. Can you help me?
Thank you.
Clackamas County Oregon
Expert Response
Hi Randy- Thanks for your question about your hydroponic plants, but it would help to have some pictures of your set up. I could also use some close-ups of the leaves and any information about what you are putting in the water of the hydroponic system.
Looking forward to more information,
Looking forward to more information,
Thanks for your reply. I don't have my cucumbers started yet, so I don't have pictures. A couple of descriptions are holes in the leaves, consuming a large portion of the leaves, and sometimes overnight the leaves get brown and crunchy. Is there an organic systemic solution? Thank you.
From: ask=<personal data hidden> <ask=<personal data hidden>> on behalf of Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>>
Sent: Monday, May 13, 2024 11:30:45 AM
To: Randy Kaady <<personal data hidden>>
Subject: Re: Hydoponic pests (#0138000)
Sent: Monday, May 13, 2024 11:30:45 AM
To: Randy Kaady <<personal data hidden>>
Subject: Re: Hydoponic pests (#0138000)
Hi Randy and thanks for the picture of your unique set-up!
One site says brown leaves in hydroponics are caused by "watering issues, fertilizer issues, cold damage, sun damage, and chemical damage." I'm guessing this year it could be cold or sun damage! If that doesn't fit, you might have to try the websites of the various chemicals you are using.
As to the holes, were your plants subjected to hail this spring? This can cause holes in leaves which look a lot like bug chewings. Since you don't see signs of insects, I would look for slugs or snails, which may be attracted to the wetness of the hydroponic system and be leaving the neighboring plants alone. They can do a lot of damage in a very short time. I'll attach an article on slug control but if you can come out at night and look at the leaves you might catch them in the act.
https://solvepestproblems.oregonstate.edu/plant-problems/slugs-snails
Fingers crossed this helps,
One site says brown leaves in hydroponics are caused by "watering issues, fertilizer issues, cold damage, sun damage, and chemical damage." I'm guessing this year it could be cold or sun damage! If that doesn't fit, you might have to try the websites of the various chemicals you are using.
As to the holes, were your plants subjected to hail this spring? This can cause holes in leaves which look a lot like bug chewings. Since you don't see signs of insects, I would look for slugs or snails, which may be attracted to the wetness of the hydroponic system and be leaving the neighboring plants alone. They can do a lot of damage in a very short time. I'll attach an article on slug control but if you can come out at night and look at the leaves you might catch them in the act.
https://solvepestproblems.oregonstate.edu/plant-problems/slugs-snails
Fingers crossed this helps,
