Wednesday, June 20, 2012

Help Identifying a Garden Critter

Click on the pic to enlarge. Critters are on the middle stalk.


I can't make much of it but maybe you can. A friend of Wifey's (hi Emilie!) sent these pictures to her a few weeks ago asking if we knew what was invading her Tomato plants. The top picture shows the critters (you have to click on the picture to see the magnified version). They are on the middle stem and look like little aphids or something.

The bottom picture is showing how her plant was dying and she wondered why?

Do any of you Master Gardeners have any input on these pics?

7 comments:

  1. My guess is whiteflies.

    http://whatcom.wsu.edu/ag/homehort/pest/whiteflies.htm

    PS- I've been enjoying your blog and am also starting radiography school in August.

    -K @ planningandforesight.blogspot.com

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  2. Thanks K! And good luck in Radiography! Let me know if there is anyway I can help.

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  3. They look like aphids. If so, Ladybugs will feast on them. Until they arrive, try spraying a mix of Dr Bronner's Peppermint soap and tobacco 'tea' on them.

    Planting mint around the garden boundaries will help somewhat, but the nicotinic acid in the tobacco 'tea' will kill 'em dead.

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  4. Try a simple mix of liquid dish soap and water sprayed on them. Cheap, simple ,won't hurt nuthing.

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  5. @Ben Thanks for the input. I sent an email to Emilie this morning telling her to come visit this post and see all the helpful ideas. Thanks you guys so much for the help!

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  6. Looks like aphids to me. Soapy water will take them out.

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Don't you spam me...I'll just delete it!