Posted by Skud in Growing Stuff on 2013-06-28 05:26:01 UTC
PermalinkI've got some chard growing in containers in my backyard. It's been doing OK for a year, but now it's winter so it's only getting partial sun. Today I noticed that one container is looking a bit sadder than the other. When I went to examine it, I found this:
They look like little brown-black egg cases or something. Anyone know what they are, or how to get rid of them without giving up on the plants?
4 comments
Hi Alex,
They first made me think of parasitised aphids, but they're not brown like I've usually seen. If that's what they are, then it's a good thing and you should leave them alone to turn into more parasitic wasps that will control aphids in your garden.
Otherwise, can you post a higher resolution photograph?
Maikkeli.
Did you figure this out?
My magic book says it's scale insects. You can rub them away with soapy water or rubbing alcohol; that should take care of eggs or invisible crawlers.
There are preventive measures; I haven't read that part yet.
["What is wrong with my plant? (And how do I fix it?)", Deardorff and Wadsworth]
@FedericoMenaQuintero: I think you're right! However, at the time what I wound up doing was just pulling the affected chard, as it was getting pretty old and wouldn't last much longer anyway. Next time, if I see it again, I'll know what to do.
Since it was chard (which has soft leaves), I think you took the right action as it looked quite infested! Otherwise, suggest you mix this up: http://www.abc.net.au/gardening/stories/s3165524.htm