Question From:
Mila Yates in Valentine, Lake Macquarie New South Wales
Nature of problem:
I planted a grafted passion fruit about 6 months ago and have been trying to look after it as Well as I can. However as new leaves sprout at the top of the vine they disappear. It seems as though they are being eaten by a grub or something.
Type of Plant (if known):
Grafted passion fruit bought from Bunnu gs garden centre.
Symptoms of Plant Illness (please try NOT to diagnose your problems yourself):
Leaves towards the base of the plant seem healthy, but new shoots at the top keep disappearing.
Soil Type (e.g. sandy, clay or loam) OR Potting Mix Type:
It is in ordinary garden soil outdoors,not sandy not clay, but soil that breaks up easily. Not sure if you would call it loam.
How often do you water the plant:
Water it frequently, probably every second day in this heat but least frequently when weather was cooler.most of the day, i
How many hours of sunlight does the plant get each day:
Most of the day. It is planted against a Colorbondi fence to which we attached a trellis for the passionfruit to climb on.
How long since you planted it:
I think it was about August/September last year.
Have you fertilised? If so, with what and when:
Yes, have fertilised with Seasol and also Osmocote fertiliser (small pellets) for fruit and flowering plants.
Is the plant indoors or outdoors:
Outdoors against a fence to which there is a treeless attached, the fence faces a north easterly direction
Is the plant in a pot or in the ground:
In the ground as indicated above
What other treatments have you given the plant:
I have sprayed various insect pest sprays because I thought little grubs might have been eating the new leaves
Upload photo if available:
Other Comments:
Answer:
Hi Mila, A photo would have helped me to help you. My guess is possums. They run along fence tops and nibble plants as as they go. Don