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New To Me #875088

Asked June 28, 2024, 11:20 AM EDT

Hello. I was given your # at the Anoka Cty Ext office in Bunker Park today . I have 3 basil plants and many different varieties of ponies, 10 total, but only one peony has this issue on its leaves. Both plants in question are in ground and surrounded with wood chips. These are long standing garden areas for 30+ years and soil in constant care and improvement. My sand in Andover has been nearly all sand until I came to care for it. Now close to 18” of good composted soil with good drainage. I am concerned that due to this year something new has entered my gardens and I want to tackle it before it spreads elsewhere. Photo one is the peony leaf. The full plant looks very healthy but then this leaf shows these spots. Please diagnose and give care instructions. I currently have removed the leaves affected and threw them in the trashcan, not my compost. Second photo is leaves from my basil plants, Not sure but suspect insect. Again please diagnose and give me treatment options. As these plants are used Continually for consumption, I’m not sure what I can put on them. Thank you for your help.

Anoka County Minnesota

Expert Response

Both leaves appear to have been damaged by four-lined plant bugs.  Compare here:

https://images.app.goo.gl/qh5p3uWQJ7QeuPdE8 
 
Four-lined plant bug damage is usually cosmetic and no control is needed. In Minnesota most of these pests have completed their life cycle and won't be a problem until next spring.  Look for them then.

Learn more here:

https://extension.umn.edu/yard-and-garden-insects/four-lined-plant-bugs
An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 30, 2024, 10:35 PM EDT

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