Morton Bay Fig
 

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

Morton Bay Fig
 

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

Morton Bay Fig
 

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

Morton Bay Fig
 

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