Question From:
Lauren in Westmeadows, Melbourne VIC
Nature of problem:
Borers on my wisteria plant gave all but destroyed it. I’ve been forced to prune almost right back to the main stem. I need to find a product that deals with getting rid of borers from the remaining plant.
Type of Plant (if known):
Wisteria
Symptoms of Plant Illness (please try NOT to diagnose your problems yourself):
Borers – both adult battles and lavae killing the plant. Branches are dried out, chalky wood dust when you snap the branches. Heaps of little round holes, and both little brown beetles and white larvae are present (see photo)
Soil Type (e.g. sandy, clay or loam) OR Potting Mix Type:
Top soil mix – very good soil balance.
How often do you water the plant:
Summer, once a week.
How many hours of sunlight does the plant get each day:
Mostly the morning, approx 4 hours direct.
What type of plant is it:
Wisteria, not sure of the species but purple flowers.
How long since you planted it:
Min 5 years – was already planted when I bought the property.
Have you fertilised? If so, with what and when:
Yes, usually Seasol or worm juice (from compost) – last time two weeks ago.
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:
None
Upload photo if available:
image.jpg
Other Comments:
The above photo shows a little white larvae of the beetle, and part of a vine with the hole. Usually holes are about 20cm of each other, and focus on the main vines. HEEEEEEEELP!!!!!!
Answer: Hi Lauren, The borers aren’t the problem. Borers only attack plants that are already unhappy, sick or dying. The position is too shady, leaving the plant open to problems. You didn’t say what type of soil you have (eg clay, or sandy etc), so that makes it hard for me. Seasol is not a fertiliser (it is a soil conditioner) and worm juice is not very strong as a fertiliser either. Powerfeed would be better but don’t go overboard as over-fertilising wisteria causes them to grow but not flower. Maybe the plant needs more water – dig a hole nearby to see if the soil is dry. Thanks for the photo, but in this instance I needed to see the living parts of the plant as the borers aren’t the problem, they are just capitalising on the problem. Good luck in sorting it out. Don
