In your opinion, which are the 3 worst pests in succulents?
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For the discussion of topics related to the conservation, cultivation, propagation, exhibition & science of cacti & other succulents only.
Please respect all forum members opinions and if you can't make a civil reply, don't reply!
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Re: In your opinion, which are the 3 worst pests in succulen
Does no one have trouble with Vine Weevil? Or does everyone use Provado?
Obsessive Crassulaceae lover, especially Aeoniums but also grow, Aloes, Agaves, Haworthias and a select number of Cacti.
- Ali Baba
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Re: In your opinion, which are the 3 worst pests in succulen
I would add earwigs too, which annoyingly take the flowers off my mesembs if i dont keep a sharp eye out for them in autumn.
The poll doesnt list false spider mite, which I would say is a much nastier pest than RSM, and is probably under diagnosed as a pest in cacti.
Western flower thrips are driving me mad, any helpful suggestions? There is a bacterial control but it isnt available for amateur growers yet.
The poll doesnt list false spider mite, which I would say is a much nastier pest than RSM, and is probably under diagnosed as a pest in cacti.
Western flower thrips are driving me mad, any helpful suggestions? There is a bacterial control but it isnt available for amateur growers yet.
Re: In your opinion, which are the 3 worst pests in succulen
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Last edited by Peter on Sun Sep 23, 2012 12:31 pm, edited 2 times in total.
- ralphrmartin
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Re: In your opinion, which are the 3 worst pests in succulen
Slugs. Even worse than snails.
Ralph Martin
https://www.rrm.me.uk/Cacti/cacti.html
Members visiting the Llyn Peninsula are welcome to visit my collection.
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https://www.rrm.me.uk/Cacti/cacti.html
Members visiting the Llyn Peninsula are welcome to visit my collection.
Swaps and sales at https://www.rrm.me.uk/Cacti/forsale.php
My Field Number Database is at https://www.fieldnos.bcss.org.uk
- iann
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Re: In your opinion, which are the 3 worst pests in succulen
I've never had a vine weevil in my greenhouse so far as I know. Perhaps a systemic soil drench most years is sufficient, or perhaps they don't like the arid conditions of cacti and highly xeric succulents.
By far my worst pest is false spider mites. I rarely see a true spider mite, red or otherwise, on a cactus although there are a handful of mesembs that they adore (honey trap?). The biggest problem is a lack of means to control them, with no systemic and hence no preventative. I swear I'm going to end up like Patrick Moore I spend so long peering through a lens looking for them before they cause too much damage.
Thrips damage I see occasionally on the new leaves of Lithops and once I actually spotted a larva in old flower remains. Mealies are so easy to control (until resistance arrives, scary thought!) that it is getting hard to feel sympathy for anyone with a perennial problem.
By far my worst pest is false spider mites. I rarely see a true spider mite, red or otherwise, on a cactus although there are a handful of mesembs that they adore (honey trap?). The biggest problem is a lack of means to control them, with no systemic and hence no preventative. I swear I'm going to end up like Patrick Moore I spend so long peering through a lens looking for them before they cause too much damage.
Thrips damage I see occasionally on the new leaves of Lithops and once I actually spotted a larva in old flower remains. Mealies are so easy to control (until resistance arrives, scary thought!) that it is getting hard to feel sympathy for anyone with a perennial problem.
Cheshire, UK
Re: In your opinion, which are the 3 worst pests in succulen
Since moving to Brittany, I've had no problems at all with mealy bugs or red spider mite. My biggest pest appears to be mice, the little varmints get into the green house & take a nibble here & there. The only other problem I've had is with Sciara fly. I've not been able to find a soil based compost here yet, so my seedlings took a hammering last year This year they're going into JI.
Art Robinson.
Formely of Birmingham branch. Now living in Brittany. I try to grow a cross section of plants, Cacti, Mesembs, Caudiciforms etc.
Formely of Birmingham branch. Now living in Brittany. I try to grow a cross section of plants, Cacti, Mesembs, Caudiciforms etc.
- Patricia-CR
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Re: In your opinion, which are the 3 worst pests in succulen
Very, very interesting. Never had vine weevil. Does the false spider mite cause the same effects on the cactus as the red spider mite?
Pat
- iann
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Re: In your opinion, which are the 3 worst pests in succulen
Similar. Damage per mite is much worse, but they don't breed as fast. They also don't create webbing, are considerably smaller, and like humidity.Does the false spider mite cause the same effects on the cactus as the red spider mite?
Cheshire, UK
- Patricia-CR
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Re: In your opinion, which are the 3 worst pests in succulen
If there was the choice, I would have voted:
1. Mealy bug
2. Mealy bug
3. Mealy bug
They virtually destroyed my collection to the point that I nearly gave up. After a four year battle, I did have one year where I didn't see any and built up my collection again. Now the wretched things are back!
I have found it impossible to get hold of Murphy's Tumblebug, which used to be the standard 'cure' about 20 years ago. Can anyone suggest the most effective substitute?
1. Mealy bug
2. Mealy bug
3. Mealy bug
They virtually destroyed my collection to the point that I nearly gave up. After a four year battle, I did have one year where I didn't see any and built up my collection again. Now the wretched things are back!
I have found it impossible to get hold of Murphy's Tumblebug, which used to be the standard 'cure' about 20 years ago. Can anyone suggest the most effective substitute?
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