Can mealybugs do this kind of damage?

DingoBongo · 07-27-2020, 04:26 PM

I've been waging a constant battle against mealybugs (and maybe some other invisible foe), and feels like I'm losing. I've lost multiple leaves from multiple new plants, and today I noticed this:

https://imgur.com/gallery/kUmRQ5L

Are mealybugs capable of eating a whole almost completely through a 3/4" p-stem?

Really wish my first foray into growing bananas wasn't such a struggle.

pitangadiego · 07-27-2020, 06:37 PM

Can't answer you question. Never dealt with mealy bugs. I would suggest that you go about 10 PM with a flashlight and see who is partying in you yard. Then take appropriate action. Identifying the issue is always the first step. Nothing like eyes on the problem.

sirdoofus · 07-27-2020, 07:28 PM

Can't say for sure, but mealybugs as far as I know tend to leave a white, waxy residue where they have been/are. Since I don't see that kind of thing in your pics, I suspect you are dealing with something else. Given that you haven't seen anything in the daylight, I think pitangadiego's advice is spot on.

Good luck!!

DingoBongo · 07-27-2020, 07:39 PM

I definitely have mealybugs. The leaves have been covered in that residue and I have seen the bugs as well. I sprayed them with some 3 in 1 but the bugs came back. I'm going to keep them inside for now because whatever is eating this has already killed one of my plants

Bananagardendreamboy · 07-27-2020, 08:04 PM

That looks rough, the good news I hit one of my big orinocos with my weed wacker a couple weeks after I transplanted it and it only had one leaf. It recovered fine and you would never know it happened now. The plants grown giant and has 3 awesome sword suckers going.

It can definitely recover if you find out how to stop it from getting worse

Bananagardendreamboy · 07-27-2020, 08:05 PM

Sometimes putting a decoy plant out you don’t care about near the attacked plant can deter pests to that plant. Not sure if that could be an option for you

DingoBongo · 07-27-2020, 08:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bananagardendreamboy

Sometimes putting a decoy plant out you don’t care about near the attacked plant can deter pests to that plant. Not sure if that could be an option for you

I had them in my backyard which is full of other plants. I hope you're right about the recovery. I see so many big beautiful bananas driving around Atlanta and it makes me wonder why mine are having such a hard time.

Bananagardendreamboy · 07-27-2020, 08:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DingoBongo

I had them in my backyard which is full of other plants. I hope you're right about the recovery. I see so many big beautiful bananas driving around Atlanta and it makes me wonder why mine are having such a hard time.

Don’t get discouraged all it takes is one plant to start going really strong. I have one single dwarf cavendish that was a huge pup of a neighbors plant. When we separated it it came off with a big chunk of corm. Right now about 6 weeks later it has 7 pups on it that I need to seperate and give away or sell and also plant more into the yard.

DingoBongo · 07-27-2020, 08:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bananagardendreamboy

Don’t get discouraged all it takes is one plant to start going really strong. I have one single dwarf cavendish that was a huge pup of a neighbors plant. When we separated it it came off with a big chunk of corm. Right now about 6 weeks later it has 7 pups on it that I need to seperate and give away or sell and also plant more into the yard.

My little pups I've had for about 6 weeks and it seems like they've barely grown.

sirdoofus · 07-28-2020, 12:06 AM

The few pics you have posted look more like grasshopper, cutworm or slug damage to me than mealybugs, but then maybe I am missing something. Can you post any more pics? And definitely don't give up, a solution will present itself.

cincinnana · 07-28-2020, 06:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DingoBongo

I've been waging a constant battle against mealybugs (and maybe some other invisible foe), and feels like I'm losing. I've lost multiple leaves from multiple new plants, and today I noticed this:

https://imgur.com/gallery/kUmRQ5L

Are mealybugs capable of eating a whole almost completely through a 3/4" p-stem?

Really wish my first foray into growing bananas wasn't such a struggle.

Mealy bugs do not chew they suck.
They live on the underside of leaves while the suck the life out of the host plant.

Looks like a nibbler is on the loose.
Slugs leave a slime trail where ever they go.

Looks like a casual taste test.

sirdoofus · 07-28-2020, 10:49 AM

Here is a list of common leaf eating pests if it is helpful at all. Not sure if it is completely relevant to your area, but maybe worth a look.

https://dengarden.com/gardening/What...-Garden-Leaves

Backyard Banana Joe · 07-28-2020, 10:56 AM

I think you should focus more on the health of your plant. I am sure the 3 in 1 only hurt and further weakened the plant. Not sure if your plants are in ground or not. Mealybugs and aphids are drawn to weak plants. You won't find them in strong, healthy plants. It is just like a wounded wildebeest. Lions (mealybugs lol) will go for the weak animal (or plant) so it is easier to take down. I had some bananas in pots in the shade that weren't really watered that were not healthy- They had aphids. I have never seen aphids on any other banana tree (in ground). So focus on water, fertilizer, and adequate sunlight, and see if your plants pull through. Just me two cents

Backyard Banana Joe · 07-28-2020, 07:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cincinnana

Mealy bugs suck.

Very true.

sirdoofus · 07-28-2020, 08:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Backyard Banana Joe

I think you should focus more on the health of your plant. I am sure the 3 in 1 only hurt and further weakened the plant. Not sure if your plants are in ground or not. Mealybugs and aphids are drawn to weak plants. You won't find them in strong, healthy plants. It is just like a wounded wildebeest. Lions (mealybugs lol) will go for the weak animal (or plant) so it is easier to take down. I had some bananas in pots in the shade that weren't really watered that were not healthy- They had aphids. I have never seen aphids on any other banana tree (in ground). So focus on water, fertilizer, and adequate sunlight, and see if your plants pull through. Just me two cents

Excellent point!!

DingoBongo · 07-28-2020, 09:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sirdoofus

The few pics you have posted look more like grasshopper, cutworm or slug damage to me than mealybugs, but then maybe I am missing something. Can you post any more pics? And definitely don't give up, a solution will present itself.

Here are some pictures showing various damage including mealybug honeydew and holes chewed right through a new leaf (that leaf died before it even unrolled).

https://imgur.com/gallery/BQeBAi7

cincinnana · 07-29-2020, 06:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DingoBongo

I definitely have mealybugs. The leaves have been covered in that residue and I have seen the bugs as well. I sprayed them with some 3 in 1 but the bugs came back. I'm going to keep them inside for now because whatever is eating this has already killed one of my plants

Which type of 3 in 1 are you using?
It is very easy to over fertilize a plant and weaken it more with those type of products.

DingoBongo · 07-29-2020, 08:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cincinnana

Which type of 3 in 1 are you using?
It is very easy to over fertilize a plant and weaken it more with those type of products.

BioAdvanced 3in1 insect, disease, and mite control. Doesn't contain any fertilizer as far as I know. I've actually never fertilized these plants because they're so small. Wondering if I should.

cincinnana · 07-30-2020, 07:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DingoBongo

BioAdvanced 3in1 insect, disease, and mite control. Doesn't contain any fertilizer as far as I know. I've actually never fertilized these plants because they're so small. Wondering if I should.

Ok.... sounds great

sirdoofus · 07-31-2020, 02:12 PM

So, I am not an expert on bananas, or banana health, so my ensuing comments, for what they're worth, are based more on general plant experience.

Not sure what the 'burn' type marks are in the first 3 pics, could possibly be a number of things. Having said that, the first pic looks to me to be a systemic problem, such as over watering - but, not seeing the whole plant makes it a bit more difficult to diagnose.

Pics 2 & 3 essentially look like healthy leaves to me - but again, pics of the entire plant might be more enlightening.

Pic 4 is definitely, as cincinnana puts it, a 'nibbler'

Maybe an update on how they are doing and pics of the entire plant(s) may shed more light.

07-27-2020, 04:26 PM	#1 (permalink)
DingoBongo Find me on the map! Join Date: Jul 2020 Posts: 32 BananaBucks : 11,104 Feedback: 0 / 0% Said "Thanks" 23 Times Was Thanked 19 Times in 15 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 0 Times	Can mealybugs do this kind of damage? I've been waging a constant battle against mealybugs (and maybe some other invisible foe), and feels like I'm losing. I've lost multiple leaves from multiple new plants, and today I noticed this: https://imgur.com/gallery/kUmRQ5L Are mealybugs capable of eating a whole almost completely through a 3/4" p-stem? Really wish my first foray into growing bananas wasn't such a struggle.

07-27-2020, 06:37 PM	#2 (permalink)
pitangadiego Senior Member Location: San Diego, CA Find me on the map! Join Date: Aug 2005 Posts: 1,489 BananaBucks : 197,704 Feedback: 9 / 100% Said "Thanks" 2 Times Was Thanked 2,732 Times in 930 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 0 Times	Re: Can mealybugs do this kind of damage? Can't answer you question. Never dealt with mealy bugs. I would suggest that you go about 10 PM with a flashlight and see who is partying in you yard. Then take appropriate action. Identifying the issue is always the first step. Nothing like eyes on the problem. __________________ Encanto Farms Nursery http://encantofarms.com We Be Bananas http://webebananas.com

07-27-2020, 07:28 PM	#3 (permalink)
sirdoofus Location: Central Vancouver Island, BC Canada Find me on the map! Zone: AgCan 7b, USDA 6b Name: Mike Join Date: Jul 2014 Posts: 1,094 BananaBucks : 38,872 Feedback: 1 / 100% Said "Thanks" 3,236 Times Was Thanked 1,283 Times in 637 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 98 Times	Re: Can mealybugs do this kind of damage? Can't say for sure, but mealybugs as far as I know tend to leave a white, waxy residue where they have been/are. Since I don't see that kind of thing in your pics, I suspect you are dealing with something else. Given that you haven't seen anything in the daylight, I think pitangadiego's advice is spot on. Good luck!! __________________ Who keeps calling me nuts??

07-27-2020, 07:39 PM	#4 (permalink)
DingoBongo Find me on the map! Join Date: Jul 2020 Posts: 32 BananaBucks : 11,104 Feedback: 0 / 0% Said "Thanks" 23 Times Was Thanked 19 Times in 15 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 0 Times	Re: Can mealybugs do this kind of damage? I definitely have mealybugs. The leaves have been covered in that residue and I have seen the bugs as well. I sprayed them with some 3 in 1 but the bugs came back. I'm going to keep them inside for now because whatever is eating this has already killed one of my plants

07-27-2020, 08:04 PM	#5 (permalink)
Bananagardendreamboy Find me on the map! Join Date: May 2020 Posts: 82 BananaBucks : 20,168 Feedback: 0 / 0% Said "Thanks" 12 Times Was Thanked 54 Times in 37 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 0 Times	Re: Can mealybugs do this kind of damage? That looks rough, the good news I hit one of my big orinocos with my weed wacker a couple weeks after I transplanted it and it only had one leaf. It recovered fine and you would never know it happened now. The plants grown giant and has 3 awesome sword suckers going. It can definitely recover if you find out how to stop it from getting worse

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07-27-2020, 08:05 PM	#6 (permalink)
Bananagardendreamboy Find me on the map! Join Date: May 2020 Posts: 82 BananaBucks : 20,168 Feedback: 0 / 0% Said "Thanks" 12 Times Was Thanked 54 Times in 37 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 0 Times	Re: Can mealybugs do this kind of damage? Sometimes putting a decoy plant out you don’t care about near the attacked plant can deter pests to that plant. Not sure if that could be an option for you

07-28-2020, 12:06 AM	#10 (permalink)
sirdoofus Location: Central Vancouver Island, BC Canada Find me on the map! Zone: AgCan 7b, USDA 6b Name: Mike Join Date: Jul 2014 Posts: 1,094 BananaBucks : 38,872 Feedback: 1 / 100% Said "Thanks" 3,236 Times Was Thanked 1,283 Times in 637 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 98 Times	Re: Can mealybugs do this kind of damage? The few pics you have posted look more like grasshopper, cutworm or slug damage to me than mealybugs, but then maybe I am missing something. Can you post any more pics? And definitely don't give up, a solution will present itself. __________________ Who keeps calling me nuts??

07-28-2020, 10:49 AM	#12 (permalink)
sirdoofus Location: Central Vancouver Island, BC Canada Find me on the map! Zone: AgCan 7b, USDA 6b Name: Mike Join Date: Jul 2014 Posts: 1,094 BananaBucks : 38,872 Feedback: 1 / 100% Said "Thanks" 3,236 Times Was Thanked 1,283 Times in 637 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 98 Times	Re: Can mealybugs do this kind of damage? Here is a list of common leaf eating pests if it is helpful at all. Not sure if it is completely relevant to your area, but maybe worth a look. https://dengarden.com/gardening/What...-Garden-Leaves __________________ Who keeps calling me nuts??

07-28-2020, 10:56 AM	#13 (permalink)
Backyard Banana Joe Location: Orlando FL Find me on the map! Zone: 9B Join Date: Jul 2019 Posts: 1,428 BananaBucks : 118,080 Feedback: 3 / 100% Said "Thanks" 6,975 Times Was Thanked 1,984 Times in 935 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 184 Times	Re: Can mealybugs do this kind of damage? I think you should focus more on the health of your plant. I am sure the 3 in 1 only hurt and further weakened the plant. Not sure if your plants are in ground or not. Mealybugs and aphids are drawn to weak plants. You won't find them in strong, healthy plants. It is just like a wounded wildebeest. Lions (mealybugs lol) will go for the weak animal (or plant) so it is easier to take down. I had some bananas in pots in the shade that weren't really watered that were not healthy- They had aphids. I have never seen aphids on any other banana tree (in ground). So focus on water, fertilizer, and adequate sunlight, and see if your plants pull through. Just me two cents

07-31-2020, 02:12 PM	#20 (permalink)
sirdoofus Location: Central Vancouver Island, BC Canada Find me on the map! Zone: AgCan 7b, USDA 6b Name: Mike Join Date: Jul 2014 Posts: 1,094 BananaBucks : 38,872 Feedback: 1 / 100% Said "Thanks" 3,236 Times Was Thanked 1,283 Times in 637 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 98 Times	Re: Can mealybugs do this kind of damage? So, I am not an expert on bananas, or banana health, so my ensuing comments, for what they're worth, are based more on general plant experience. Not sure what the 'burn' type marks are in the first 3 pics, could possibly be a number of things. Having said that, the first pic looks to me to be a systemic problem, such as over watering - but, not seeing the whole plant makes it a bit more difficult to diagnose. Pics 2 & 3 essentially look like healthy leaves to me - but again, pics of the entire plant might be more enlightening. Pic 4 is definitely, as cincinnana puts it, a 'nibbler' Maybe an update on how they are doing and pics of the entire plant(s) may shed more light. __________________ Who keeps calling me nuts??

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