Morton Bay Fig

[Old and Cranky]

Hi,

I have a 2 metre high ficus macrophylla which is being attacked by insects
that collect on the underside of the leaves. The leaves curl and get bumps
on them similar to what psyllids would look like. The attack starts on the
leaf edges, the leaves curl and usually kill off about half of the leaf.
However the insects causing the damage are tiny black insects, about 2mm
long, very elongate (narrow) which a distinctive point on their tail. I can
see no wings.

The infestation has now also spread to a ficus watkinsiana.

Does anyone know this insect?

TIA

[Jane VR]

Old and Cranky > wrote in message
...
> Hi,
>
> I have a 2 metre high ficus macrophylla which is being attacked by insects
> that collect on the underside of the leaves. The leaves curl and get
bumps
> on them similar to what psyllids would look like. The attack starts on
the
> leaf edges, the leaves curl and usually kill off about half of the leaf.
> However the insects causing the damage are tiny black insects, about 2mm
> long, very elongate (narrow) which a distinctive point on their tail. I
can
> see no wings.

just guessing, based on the name, but it could be fig blister mite.

we used to spray the figs with white oil, which seemed to help.

Jane

[J & A Haig]

On the smaller leaved figs I just pinch off the blistered leaves or any
showing signs of blisters or curling, and with persistence that seems to
keep it under control. The pinched off leaves need to be disposed to
prevent spread.
Failing that, go for your favourite systemic or surface pesticide (natural
or synthetic) for sucking insects.
Good luck, Jim

"Jane VR" > wrote in message
...
>
> Old and Cranky > wrote in message
> ...
> > Hi,
> >
> > I have a 2 metre high ficus macrophylla which is being attacked by
insects
> > that collect on the underside of the leaves. The leaves curl and get
> bumps
> > on them similar to what psyllids would look like. The attack starts on
> the
> > leaf edges, the leaves curl and usually kill off about half of the leaf.
> > However the insects causing the damage are tiny black insects, about 2mm
> > long, very elongate (narrow) which a distinctive point on their tail. I
> can
> > see no wings.
>
> just guessing, based on the name, but it could be fig blister mite.
>
> we used to spray the figs with white oil, which seemed to help.
>
> Jane
>
>

[Old and Cranky]

Problem solved!

A Qld DPI entomologist has identified the pest as a type of thrip.


"Jane VR" > wrote in message
...
>
> Old and Cranky > wrote in message
> ...
> > Hi,
> >
> > I have a 2 metre high ficus macrophylla which is being attacked by
insects
> > that collect on the underside of the leaves. The leaves curl and get
> bumps
> > on them similar to what psyllids would look like. The attack starts on
> the
> > leaf edges, the leaves curl and usually kill off about half of the leaf.
> > However the insects causing the damage are tiny black insects, about 2mm
> > long, very elongate (narrow) which a distinctive point on their tail. I
> can
> > see no wings.
>
> just guessing, based on the name, but it could be fig blister mite.
>
> we used to spray the figs with white oil, which seemed to help.
>
> Jane
>
>