Fruit

Herbs

Nuts

Spices

Vegetables

Dictionary

Diseases

Pests

Store

Advertising

APHIDS

APHIDS (Greenflies): These insects have fat, teardrop-shaped bodies in various colors, green being the most common. These pests suck on the young leaves and flowers at the ends of stems excreting honeydew, which promotes the growth of sooty mold. The honeydew can be washed off with a spray of water. These pest multiply rapidly, but are among the easiest of the pests to kill using insecticidal soap. Lacewings and ladybird beetles (ladybugs) are excellent biological methods of control. To prevent infestations, new plants should be quarantined and inspected often before setting with the other plants.

BLUEBERRY MAGGOT: These larvae burrow into and feed on ripening blueberries. These pests are well hidden because they'reusually the same color as the blueberry. Since the berries are usually popped in the mouth, you may get a little more protein than wanted. Luckily for the squeamish, the maggots are infrequent in home plantings. If an infestation reaches high levels, affecting more than a few berries, pick and destroy.