Schistocerca Gregaria

/Schistocerca Gregaria/

Schistocerca Gregaria

S. gregaria, commonly known as desert locust remains a solitary insect until the rainy season. When vegetation emerges, particularly in sandy soils, the female locust lays her eggs in the soil and amidst vegetation for the hatchlings to feed upon. If there are large numbers of the nymphs congregated, this close physical contact causes a metabolic and physical change from solitary to gregarious form and its color changes from green to yellow and black. The desert locust is found in the northwest region of India, but you might contact an agricultural department in Punjabi to confirm its identity. If so, the swarms of desert locust cause huge losses in agriculture. Early warning and preventive control is the strategy adopted by locust-affected countries in Africa and Asia to try to stop locust plagues from developing and spreading. Refer to FAO's Desert Locust Information Service (DLIS) in Rome, Italy.

By | 2017-09-11T15:49:20-07:00 March 10th, 2016|Plant Pests|0 Comments
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Spurge

This appears to be a euphorbia known as spurge. This is a large and popular family of colorful perennials that collectors covet. This plant is sen-evrgreen in warmer climates and want a place where it gets plenty of direct light depending on the cultivar. They are also known to have a bit of an unusual fragrance.
Some can grow as large as 4-5 ft. tall and wide. some are ground covers. A few re-seed politely and others are quite invasive as ground covers, so it is vital to understand which type you are choosing.
It is important to understand two things about this plant; 1) correct pruning. Prune only the canes that formerly had the old blooms on them all the way down at grown level when the blooms fade, but not so late that they set seed. 2) When cutting the canes, this plant will leak a milky white sap that can be a major skin irritant, in particular if you have any allergy to latex. Take care not to touch your eyes or face if you come into contact with this sap on your bare skin.

By | 2016-03-10T15:56:29-08:00 March 10th, 2016|Perennials|0 Comments
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Prayer Plant And Begonia

The striped leaf is commonly known as a prayer plant, a relatively easy to grow houseplant prized for its striking variegated leaves with purple undersides. The foliage tends to curl up at night, the reason for its common name. They need average water and average light, but will burn in full sun. Also, like most houseplants, prayer plants are tropical plants and are sensitive to salts in the tap water. If its tips begin to brown, suggest you switch to steam iron water and feed with a slow-release or organic fertilizer formulated for houseplants.

The other plant is a begonia although without seeing the flower it's impossible to know which one since there are hundreds with similar foliage. These grow the best in the same conditions as the prayer plant, but if you are wanting each to thrive you should place them in their own pots. Plants growing in the same pot don't do as well since their roots fill the soil and try to out-compete each other. You might want to separate these as soon as possible.

By | 2016-03-10T14:15:07-08:00 March 10th, 2016|House Plants|0 Comments
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Fusarium Wilt

Without seeing the whole plant, it is hard to get positive identification without lab testing, however this appears to be Fusarium wilt. The first symptom is a slight yellowing of a single leaf or a slight wilting and drooping of the lower leaves. A distinct brown discoloration of the water and food channels can be seen in a cross section of a stem close to the base of the plant.
There are many good online resources that will provide details. Most often, fusarium is present in the soil. Do NOT dump the soil in your pot into your garden. Rather, dispose of it in the trash. Once infected, soil retains this fungus indefinitely.
Without being able to see an entire plant to confirm Fusarium Wilt, here's some more detailed information on Fusarium wilt from the Colorado Extension Agency - http://www.ext.colostate.edu/pubs/Garden/02949.html
Here is a link that might also be helpful:
http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/PMG/GARDEN/VEGES/DISEASES/fusarwilt.html
http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/PMG/GARDEN/VEGES/tomato.html

By | 2016-03-10T13:54:00-08:00 March 10th, 2016|Plant Diseases|0 Comments
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Aphids On Leafy Vegetables

It is really hard to tell from this photo but these look like they could be aphids. They will typically feed on the newest plant growth. You can identify Aphids (with a magnifying lens) by the two "cornicles" (structures that look like tiny tailpipes) extending from the rear. If you see the cornicles, you will want to control these insects with a pesticidal soap, available at your local garden center or wash off with a strong stream of water. These insects reproduce rapidly (giving live birth, rather than laying eggs), so you can also narrow the possible insect species down if you see that some of them are smaller versions of the larger ones. Sometimes an adult will develop wings and they look a bit different than the rest, but they'll still have the "tailpipes". They can be controlled by many synthetic insecticides but a strong stream will wash them off and they will not climb back.

By | 2016-03-10T13:08:48-08:00 March 10th, 2016|Plant Pests|0 Comments
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Plumeria

Plumerias do best in full sun, good draining soil, and moderate water during the growing season, with drier conditions during winter. Plants in general are not able to fend off diseases and pests when they are not provided their optimum environment. The spots suggest a possible fungal disease which would result from the plant not being able to have the optimum environment (full sun). The mottling of the leaves sounds like a fertilization issue. You will want to feed with a slow-release or organic fertilizer formulated for blooming plants during the growing season. As it get cooler, your plant is due to lose its leaves. In order to prevent the spread of any diseases or pests that might be present, you will want to collect and dispose of the fallen leaves. We have had some cool temps lately and Plumeria do not tolerate frost . You will want to provide protection as we go into the winter months.

By | 2016-03-10T09:46:08-08:00 March 10th, 2016|Shrubs|0 Comments
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Bougainvillea

Yes, it is a bougenvilla. A South American native, it does not tolerate much frost but is a fast-growing, vigorous plant that needs a sturdy support such as a wall or fence. Needs full sun and moderate water. Bougainvillea blooms best in nutritionally poor soils.

The soil in this pot looks very compacted. Having well draining soil is a key aspect to allowing for healthy root growth. Does it take a very long time for water to soak in when you water this plant? That could be a key sign there is an issue here. If you find this plant is in extremely compacted soil, we recommend transplanting this into perhaps a larger pot with well draining soil rich in well-developed organic matter.

Being that Lahore only gets an average of 18 inches of rain per year, it may be better to make sure this plant gets a little more water. However, bougainvillea should not get too much water where the soil is constantly wet.

By | 2016-03-10T08:31:31-08:00 March 10th, 2016|Vine Plants|0 Comments
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Golden Barrel Cactus

Echinocactus grusonii, or more popularly known as the "Golden Barrel", is a very beautiful and fast-growing member the "barrel cacti" family, which includes both Echinocactus and closely related Ferocacti. This plant can be a very dramatic facet of landscaping with its dense golden spines and rugged tolerance of full sun, heat, drought and even some frost. Can grow to 36" in diameter and height in 20 years. Will offset with age, producing beautiful clumps. Yellow flowers appear at the crown, usually in summer. Native habitat is Mexico, but is becoming extinct in habitat due to development of land. Prefers extra drainage in soil mix, as can be attained with the addition of extra perlite or pumice. Bright light to full sun. Can be grown in a container on a warm, bright patio or in full sun in a garden landscape. Water thoroughly when soil is dry to the touch. Can tolerate temperatures below freezing for brief periods, but is best to protect from frost to prevent scarring.

By | 2016-03-10T07:56:50-08:00 March 10th, 2016|Plant Pests|0 Comments
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Scale Insects On Camellia

Scale insects form raised bumps on leaves and stems as they stick their beaks in to suck the life out of plants. They are not uncommon on camellia, nor are aphids, mealybugs, and mites; they often coexist on stressed plants. As they feed, the leaves turn yellow, often develop spots, and fall off. There can be webs and sticky exudate that soon grows black sooty mold. Start gaining control by spraying the plants thoroughly, if temperatures permit, spray with a horticultural oil spray. These oils are highly refined and will not burn if used as directed on the label and should be used each winter on camellias. In hot weather, use a non-oil control product made for piercing and sucking insects. Spray the trunks and upper and lower leaf surfaces. This looks like a serious infestation so do consider also using a systemic insecticide to continue control this year. Keep fallen leaves raked up; water and fertilize as usual. The plants are tough; with your help, they'll shake off the insect issues.

By | 2016-03-10T06:15:13-08:00 March 10th, 2016|Shrubs|0 Comments
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Water And Fertilizer Issues

Sorry for the dealy in responding! These plants are suffering from nutrient deficiency. This could be the result of too much or not enough water. Roots suffering from rot or dryness cannot function sufficiently to carry nutrients into the plant, even if fertilizers are added. Check with your local garden center or agricultural supply store (which may be the better option for this) for an appropriate fertilizer. Keep in mind, we typically see browning of leave edges (margins) in response to under-watering, and/or nutrient excess. Water should be applied when needed (according to weather conditions and plant size) rather than on a fixed schedule. Water deeply fewer times per week as opposed to daily, and maintain even soil moisture (avoid fluctuations in very dry and very wet/flooding of soil). Also, not applying enough water along with fertilizer applications causes the mineral salts to build-up in the soil around the roots, causing root damage and "leaf tip" or "leaf margin" burning.

By | 2016-03-10T04:18:04-08:00 March 10th, 2016|Vine Plants|0 Comments
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