Coleus

Symptoms: leaves skeletonized between veins; lacy chewed foliage; metallic green-bronze beetles clustered on plants; feeding worst in warm midsummer sun

• CulturalHandpick into soapy water· every 1 days · ~4 wks●●●Strongstrong evidence — extension confidence

  In early morning when beetles are sluggish, knock them into a bucket of soapy water; daily removal also reduces the scent that draws in more beetles. Skip the lure traps, which tend to attract more beetles than they catch.

  Source: UMN Extension: Japanese beetles; PennState Extension: Japanese Beetles in the Home Garden

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• CulturalCover plants past bloom●●Moderatemoderate evidence — extension confidence

  On crops that have finished flowering and set fruit, drape a row cover or netting to keep beetles off without blocking pollination during bloom.

  Source: UMN Extension: Japanese beetles

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Symptoms: white powdery coating on upper leaf surfaces; starts as spots then spreads; leaves yellow and dry under the coating

• CulturalImprove airflow + remove worst leaves●●●Strongstrong evidence — extension confidence

  Cut out the most heavily coated leaves and thin for airflow; avoid wetting foliage late in the day.

  Source: UC IPM

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• OrganicPotassium-bicarbonate or sulfur - label use only· every 1 wk · ~4 wks●●Moderatemoderate evidence — extension confidence

  Apply a labeled potassium-bicarbonate or sulfur fungicide weekly per the label. No sulfur within 2 weeks of oil or in high heat.

  Always follow the product label — it is the law.

  Source: UC IPM

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Symptoms: stunted yellowing plants that wilt despite wet soil; soft brown mushy roots; sloughing root outer layer leaving thread-like core; poor growth in low or compacted wet spots; seedlings collapsing at the soil line

• CulturalLet soil drain and water less●●●Strongstrong evidence — extension confidence

  Water root rots like Pythium thrive in saturated soil, so cut back watering, let the surface dry between irrigations, and water at the base rather than keeping soil constantly wet.

  Source: UMN Extension; Missouri Botanical Garden

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• CulturalImprove drainage and aeration●●●Strongstrong evidence — extension confidence

  Use raised beds, loosen compacted soil, and add organic matter to improve drainage; remove plants that are already rotted since affected roots won't recover.

  Source: UMN Extension; Missouri Botanical Garden

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Symptoms: large ragged holes with smooth edges; slimy silvery trails; damage worst after rain and overnight

• CulturalTrap, hand-pick at night, reduce cover· every 2 days · ~3 wks●●●Strongstrong evidence — extension confidence

  Pick at night with a flashlight, set shallow beer traps, water in the morning so soil dries by dusk, and clear damp hiding spots.

  Source: UC IPM: Snails and Slugs

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• OrganicIron-phosphate bait - label use only· every 1 wk · ~3 wks●●Moderatemoderate evidence — extension confidence

  Scatter a labeled iron-phosphate slug bait sparingly per the label; it's pet- and wildlife-safer than metaldehyde.

  Always follow the product label — it is the law.

  Source: UC IPM

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Symptoms: fine pale stippling/speckling on leaves; fine webbing on undersides in hot dry spells; leaves bronzing and dropping

• CulturalHose down and raise humidity· every 3 days · ~2 wks●●●Strongstrong evidence — extension confidence

  Mites thrive in hot, dry, dusty conditions. Spray foliage (especially undersides) with water to dislodge them and reduce dust.

  Source: UC IPM

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• OrganicInsecticidal soap or horticultural oil - label use only· every 5 days · ~2 wks●●Moderatemoderate evidence — extension confidence

  Apply to undersides per label; mites resist many products, so soaps/oils are preferred. Not in extreme heat.

  Always follow the product label — it is the law.

  Source: UC IPM

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Symptoms: clouds of tiny white insects fly up when plants are disturbed; yellowing stippled leaves; sticky honeydew and black sooty mold; weak stunted growth

• CulturalRemove infested leaves and hose off· every 4 days●●Moderatemoderate evidence — extension confidence

  Pick off and discard heavily infested lower leaves and rinse colonies off undersides with a strong spray of water; yellow sticky cards help monitor numbers.

  Source: UC IPM: Whiteflies

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• OrganicApply a labeled soap or oil· every 1 wk · ~3 wks●●Moderatemoderate evidence — extension confidence

  Apply a labeled insecticidal soap or neem oil per the label, covering leaf undersides; these reduce but won't eliminate whiteflies, so repeat as needed.

  Always follow the product label — it is the law.

  Source: UC IPM: Whiteflies

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Symptoms: clusters of tiny soft-bodied insects on new growth and undersides; sticky honeydew or sooty mold; curled distorted new leaves; ants tending them

• CulturalBlast off with water· every 3 days · ~2 wks●●●Strongstrong evidence — extension confidence

  Knock colonies off with a strong jet of water in the morning; repeat every few days. Light infestations rarely need more.

  Source: UC IPM: Aphids

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• OrganicInsecticidal soap - label use only· every 1 wk · ~3 wks●●Moderatemoderate evidence — extension confidence

  For persistent colonies apply insecticidal soap to undersides per label. Avoid open flowers.

  Always follow the product label — it is the law.

  Source: UC IPM

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