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+--- Thread: A novice grows (/showthread.php?tid=4172)
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RE: A novice grows - Andrew - 06-29-2008
Tim
I had a go-a-round with leaf miners as well. I went to the garden exchange in Hilo with a photo of the damaged leaves to ask one of their local experts. The guy there told me that they are not that big a deal and there are a few things you can do including:
1. Yes remove the damaged leaves and destroy them before the infecting larvae have a chance to mature.
2. A well nurtured plant will outgrow the affected leaves so pay close attention to good soil and the proper watering and fertilizing regimen.
3. He recommended a chemical called Spinosad (sp?) but they were out of it at the time.
What I did personally was to just remove the damaged leaves and grind them between the sole of my shoe and the concrete floor of my shed (Not a very scientific approach I grant you but it seems to have done the trick.} My tomatoes and green beans that were affected are doing well and I haven't seen any further damaged leaves.
I like the Wikipedia idea of planting another decoy plant to draw the little devils away.
Andrew
quote:
Originally posted by punafish
Andrew,
Yes thanks, that's what it is. The Wikipedia link says the best way to counteract is by planting lambsquareter, columbine or velvet leaf close by to draw away the leaf miners...
Does this imply that it's too late to remedy once the insect larvae get into the leaf tissue? Does pulling the leaves off help or hurt the situation? Or does it even matter? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Ah, the joys of learning something new!
Thanks in advance for input.
tim
RE: A novice grows - punafish - 06-30-2008
Thanks so much, Andrew. I took your advice...will keep you posted on the results :-)
Aloha!
Tim