Pest question...
 

I have NEVER had any problems in the past with any type of pest on my plants aside from the dreaded japanese beetle. This year has been a different story though. I have have something eating lots of holes through my leaves on my nanners, brugs, and could not see what was doing it. Well, this evening I was out and looking at my brazillian and saw that something had starting gnawing on my leaf that was just fixing to unfurl. I looked a little closer and finally saw what I think is my problem. It was a black/dark brown worm about 1/4" to 1/2" long with a greenish stripe running down the length of its body.
I remember a while back someone posted a link to a website that was loaded with pictures of garden pests. Does anyone know what that website was, or have any guess as to what I got eating my d#@$ plants? If so, what would be a good defense for it? Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks in advance...

Re: Pest question...
 

I've got that too, although I haven't seen whats doing it either. Caterpillars you say huh? They haven't got my nanners too badly so far but they're destroying my peppers. Also I noticed this shiny dried up slime on leaves sometimes, it will come off but, whatever leaves it has contacted just shrink and die. Hopefully someone will know a little more to help us out. And thanks for posting your info too. Good luck.

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Yes saved on Faves!

Welcome to BugGuide.Net! - BugGuide.Net

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Never seen those before. The grasshoppers tear into my lower stuff.

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Cool site D&T. Got it in my favs. now. Thanx!

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That was a site one of our other members post few months ago. Saved as was looking into few bugs had then!

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I had the same problem with the holes before unfurling but it stopped ... then yesterday morning I saw the newest partially unfurled Saba leaf hanging down ... it was half chewed off at the base. It was a spectacular leaf taller than my grandchildren and they helped me cut it up into rectangles and put in the freezer. Maybe I'll cook something with it sometime. But I have no clue what chewed it off. I've started spraying the ground with insecticide. I know.. I know.. it's bad to use but I'm just a little panicy.

I'll be interested to know what you plan to do about yours.

Deb

Re: Pest question...
 

I've had the same problem with something eating holes, but only on my collard greens.
I've been seeing an awful lot of praying mantis , beetles ,and grasshoppers.
I have alot of herbs such as rosemary, sage, lemon thyme, lavender, and of course marigolds planted between all the nannas.
Maybe those herbs have discouraged the bad bugs. I've been noticing that not one of my bananas, cannas, sunflowers or even my green beans has bug holes! Only the collards ! The collards only have the marigolds around them. Hmmm maybe I hit on to something with the herbs!
And maybe by planting the collards I gave them something else to nibble on other than my good plants!
Collars are good mind you, I love em'! But I rather have them eat on them than all my beauties!
Iam going to keep watching to see if this proves true all summer.
Hey Guru's do you think this is possible?

Re: Pest question...
 

Many herbs are considered attractants for beneficial insects that eat pest insects. So planting herbs is a great idea. We do that where I work. Also, planting marigolds as a companion plant is a good idea because they can help to ward off other pests as well. You often hear of people doing that in their vegetable gardens. For a source of good info on planting plants to attract beneficials as well as just good gardening info go to Urban Harvest - Working With Gardens and Orchards to Build Healthy Communities.

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That shiny dried up slime is probably a snail trail from snails and / or slugs. They leave those tracks behind as evidense of their crimes against your plants.

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I'm lucky to not have any problems this year with things eating my plants. Wait, I did spray neem oil for mites on my Bell Peppers yesterday. Randy, I wish you luck with your plants. Do keep us posted please.

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Thanks for everyone's input. I will just have to keep my eyes open for the little "buggars"!!! Still not sure what it is, but all in all I haven't had any devestating things to happen. Just quite a few holes in leaves. Actually, even the Japanese Beetles haven't been too bad this year which is a blessing. I just don't like seeing holes in my LEAVES!!! Anyway, thanks again...

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Neem or Stylet oil should help keep these at bay. JMS farms sells stylet oil. I have 5 gallons of it and only use about an ounce per application, though I have never used it on bananas so you may want to test it first. I have used it effectively against Japanese Beetles, aphids, spider mites and other pests on grape vines.
Neem can be bought at most garden centers.

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I've found the processed and "standardized" Neem II from Green Light to be more effective than generic Neem. :)

Re: Pest question...