Gardening and Horticulture - Ficus
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clivew
06-24-03, 04:30 AM
Hope I have spelt this green indoor plant correctly.
I have a persisent white semi sticky ball which attaches itself to the join of the leaf to the stem.
When I rub my finger it disinegrates in a mess.When it dies it becomes a hard white ball the size of a pin head.
It kills the leaves and they go brown and drop off.
I,d appreciate input into how I can eradicate it?
Sometime ago a gardening center suggest methadon but I dont think this is available now.
Clivew
I have a persisent white semi sticky ball which attaches itself to the join of the leaf to the stem.
When I rub my finger it disinegrates in a mess.When it dies it becomes a hard white ball the size of a pin head.
It kills the leaves and they go brown and drop off.
I,d appreciate input into how I can eradicate it?
Sometime ago a gardening center suggest methadon but I dont think this is available now.
Clivew
chfite
06-24-03, 06:16 AM
Some background on Ficus Benjamina:
Pests and diseases: Brickell and Zuk (1997) report that many F. benjamina that are grown indoors have been lost due to Phomopsis dieback. Other pests and diseases of Ficus species include: mealybugs, scale insects, spider mites, root knot nematodes, and thrips occur under most environmental conditions, fungal and bacterial leaf spots, crown gall, twig dieback, and Southern blight (Brickell and Zuk 1997). Cuban laurel thrips, which commonly affect Ficus microcarpa in Hawai'i and elsewhere, have been documented from F. benjamina trees in Florida (Wolfenbarger 1946).
It sounds as if this may be mealybugs. FWIW, you might try some insecticidal soap on this affliction. It may well kill whatever it is and won't hurt the plant.
Hope this helps.
Pests and diseases: Brickell and Zuk (1997) report that many F. benjamina that are grown indoors have been lost due to Phomopsis dieback. Other pests and diseases of Ficus species include: mealybugs, scale insects, spider mites, root knot nematodes, and thrips occur under most environmental conditions, fungal and bacterial leaf spots, crown gall, twig dieback, and Southern blight (Brickell and Zuk 1997). Cuban laurel thrips, which commonly affect Ficus microcarpa in Hawai'i and elsewhere, have been documented from F. benjamina trees in Florida (Wolfenbarger 1946).
It sounds as if this may be mealybugs. FWIW, you might try some insecticidal soap on this affliction. It may well kill whatever it is and won't hurt the plant.
Hope this helps.
clivew
06-24-03, 08:55 AM
Thanks
In fact I have something called Provado Ulitmate Bug Killer which claims to be good for the list of problems you have enumerated for me,including Mealy Bug.
There are also signs on the tree,its ten feet high and six feet wide that brown spots and other markings appear when I used it.
Do you endorse its use.Can I do any harm?
I have plenty of new leaves coming all the time but it sheds hundreds after I have used Provado.
I,l certainly get some of your recommendation.
Clivew
In fact I have something called Provado Ulitmate Bug Killer which claims to be good for the list of problems you have enumerated for me,including Mealy Bug.
There are also signs on the tree,its ten feet high and six feet wide that brown spots and other markings appear when I used it.
Do you endorse its use.Can I do any harm?
I have plenty of new leaves coming all the time but it sheds hundreds after I have used Provado.
I,l certainly get some of your recommendation.
Clivew
marturo
06-24-03, 12:37 PM
Hi clivew
I believe your best and safest bet, is to try the Product Chris has reccomended. It's good & very safe for you & the plant, insecticide.
We have used it for a long time now, with great results.
Good luck to you :)
I believe your best and safest bet, is to try the Product Chris has reccomended. It's good & very safe for you & the plant, insecticide.
We have used it for a long time now, with great results.
Good luck to you :)