Question From:
in Garden Suburb, Newcastle New South Wales
Nature of problem:
borer grubs and scale on lilypily hedge
Type of Plant (if known):
I have a 5 year old Resilience Psyllid resistant hedge comprising about 17 plants. It looks healthy on the outside with lots of new growth.
Symptoms of Plant Illness (please try NOT to diagnose your problems yourself):
White things on the lower branches of most plants (more noticeable in the shaded sections of the hedge). Nursery said it is scale and suggested white oil which I have applied about 5 times now. When I began pruning, I noticed a further problem…..clumps of stuff around many of the branch junctions, and when scraped away there was a hole behind the clump, and in the hole was a grub/worm which I pulled out. There are also some little small brown insects running around near these holes- they look like small cockroaches. I have photos of all of these creatures.
Soil Type (e.g. sandy, clay or loam) OR Potting Mix Type:
Clay I think
How often do you water the plant:
Not often through winter as it is a established hedge and we have had some rain. Summer every 2 weeks depending on the weather and rain.
How many hours of sunlight does the plant get each day:
the majority of the plant would get about 4-5 hours sunlight a day. The further end gets more – about 6-7 hours a day.
How long since you planted it:
5 years ago
Have you fertilised? If so, with what and when:
Yes I use osmocote granules twice a year.
Is the plant indoors or outdoors:
outdoors
Is the plant in a pot or in the ground:
ground
What other treatments have you given the plant:
sprayed with white oil twice in August. Then nursery advised Malathon and white oil – I did this in September twice. Then last week they said Confidor – I have done this once, and also did white oil again on the scale – two days ago.
Upload photo if available:
Other Comments:
Should I continue pruning and prune more severely, plus feed and water ? Should I try to cut all the borer branches off or can I spray them ?
Answer:
Hi ???, My name is Don and I provide a free service to strangers that I have never met. All that I expect is good manners. You did not even have the courtesy to mention your christian name. I will be delighted to answer your question free when you behave in a more friendly and considerate manner. Over to you, Don.
