Aphis? - Ask Extension
This year I am finding what may be a type of aphid I have never seen before, but I’m not sure they are aphids. They are smaller than I’ve ever see...
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Aphis? #878972
Asked July 26, 2024, 9:59 PM EDT
This year I am finding what may be a type of aphid I have never seen before, but I’m not sure they are aphids. They are smaller than I’ve ever seen and can’t really be seen with the naked eye. They just look like maybe eggs on the underside of the leaves, until I look at them with a jewelers eye piece. Then I can see what I think are black eyes too big for their body and tiny legs. I have tried using all the normal store bought and homemade remedies and it doesn’t seem to kill them. I have tried taking pictures but my camera isn’t good for tiny things. Is there a place where I can bring a leaf to you (or mail it), to get them identified and a solution to get rid of them. They have mostly attacked and killed my rose, thumbergia, echium and impatience, oh and my dahlias. Thank you
Douglas County Oregon
Expert Response
This may be a problem with spider mites. Spider mites are common, tiny garden pests, related to spiders and ticks. The term “spider mite” is often used to refer to mites that attack plants. Spider mites thrive in hot, dry weather and cause damage to many types of ornamental and vegetable plants. In this article you will find information about spider mites.
https://extension.oregonstate.edu/gardening/techniques/how-recognize-manage-spider-mites-home-garden
The Douglas County Extension Plant Clinic is open Monday through Friday from 1-4 PM, 1134 SE Douglas in Roseburg. Feel free to come in and visit with a plant sample.Thank you for your response. I have some other questions. I’m in Reedsport Oregon and we had horrible trouble with the two spotted mites this summer. Sprayed alternating neem oil and malathion approximately every 5 days and never got rid of them. So the question now is will the eggs survive in the soil over the winter.
Second question, we have had what I believe is tobacco mosaic on angel trumpet and tomato plants. Is it okay to reuse the soil that was in pots that the plants grew in? Or does the virus live on in the soil?
Thank you for your time
GBGB, Renee ;)
#1. If a treatment for mites is necessary, use selective materials, preferably insecticidal soap or insecticidal oil. Both petroleum-based horticultural oils and plant-based oils such as neem, canola, or cottonseed oils are acceptable.
The two spotted spider mite and honey locust spider mite survive winter as adults by hiding in garden debris or other protected areas.
#2. Tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) can be controlled by
The two spotted spider mite and honey locust spider mite survive winter as adults by hiding in garden debris or other protected areas.
#2. Tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) can be controlled by
- Sanitizing tools: Use a 10% bleach solution or soap to wash tools that have come into contact with infected plants.
- Removing infected plants: Dig up and destroy infected plants.
- Washing hands: Wash hands thoroughly after handling infected plants or tobacco products.
- Disinfecting surfaces: Disinfect door handles and other greenhouse structures.
- Rotating crops: Avoid growing tobacco or tomato plants in the same field for at least two years.
- Avoiding planting near infected plants: Don't plant near plants that are infected with TMV.
- Using virus-free plants: Purchase plants that are free of TMV.
- Propagating from seed: Plant seeds instead of transplants.
- Controlling weeds: Remove all weeds.
- Using milk: Dip hands in milk before handling plants.
- Using nitrile gloves: Provide workers with nitrile gloves and require them to wear them when handling susceptible species.
- Cross protection: Inoculate young plants with a mild strain of the virus to protect them from more severe strains.
