Everyday Bugs & Fungus

    Nearing mid-summer, you may look outside and notice that your plant’s once flawless leaves are looking like they need a little TLC; common bugs and fungus may be the culprit. Not to worry, every gardener will have a run-in with these ordinary summer setbacks. Read on to learn more about the most frequent bugs & fungi, and also how to prevent further damage. 

Everyday Bugs:

Japanese Beetles

    Japanese beetles are active for about 6 weeks in the summer. They are about the size of a fingernail, with a bright metallic green shell and copper wings. If you encounter these bugs, you will notice holes in the leaves of plants. The good news is that their wrath is purely aesthetic, meaning that control is not essential for the survival of your plant.

Aphids

    Aphids are a robust and diverse group of bugs that vary in appearance, color, and size. They are tiny little insects that commune in groups on the stem of a plant or the underside of a leaf. Aphids multiply rapidly with high nitrogen levels. If you have curled/ puckered/ stunted leaves, pale yellow spots, distorted blooms, or a sticky black substance on the leaves, aphids may be the culprit. 

Mealy Bugs

    The typical mealybug is 1/16 to 1/8 inch long with a white, waxy, oval body. Infestations usually involve the undersides of leaves, stems, branches, and joints. In the same family as aphids, mealybugs also secrete honeydew, which becomes overrun by soot-colored mold that makes your plants have a dirty appearance. Other symptoms include irregular or no growth, yellow leaves, and leaf drop. If left untreated, plants may die. 

Everyday Fungus:

Powdery Mildew 

    Powdery mildew is caused by a fungus and is seen as a light gray or whitish powder on the surface of leaves. It mostly occurs following warm days and cool nights. The fungus is more of an aesthetic issue; death of the plant is rare.

Rust

    Rust fungus can be identified on a plant by the presence of red, yellow, or orange small raised bumps on the leaves or stems. It can cause yellowing, withering leaves, and even early leaf drop. Generally, rusts are host-specific, meaning they will typically only spread to the same species of the infected plant.

Black spot 

    Black spot is a fungal disease that primarily targets roses. It appears as round, dark lesions on the foliage, typically followed by yellowing and premature leaf drop. The fungus flourishes in warm, moist environments and spreads through splashing water, wind, or contact with contaminated plant debris.

Managing Common Bugs and Fungi: 

There are many prevention methods to deter pests and the presence of fungus, but sometimes you just need a bit more support. At Sunshine Garden Center, we offer products to help you and your garden flourish once more. Our products cover the most common issues and more. If you need assistance finding the best protection method for you, please stop by the store, and we will be happy to help. 

Disclaimer: Always read package instructions for dosing and usage instructions. 

1. Fertilome 2-in-1 Systemic
• Usage: Preventative Insect and Disease protection for 6 weeks
• Application: Mix and pour around the base of the plant
• For Plants: Roses, flowers, and other landscape shrubs
2. Arber Bio Protectant**
• Usage: Use preventatively and reapply weekly; Use at first sign of disease development and apply weekly until resolved, then as needed. 
• Application: Mix and spray the plants until they are completely wet. 
• For Plants: vegetables, roses, fruits, berries, nuts, flowers, foliage, ornamental trees, and shrubs
3. Arber Bio Insecticide**
• Usage: Best used when pest species are present, but before populations are causing visible damage
• Application: Mix and spray the plants and spray thoroughly; for suppression of soil-dwelling pests, apply as a soil drench
• For Plants: Fruits, vegetables, nuts, flowers, foliage, trees, tropicals, ornamental plants, shrubs

** Organic, pollinator-friendly, natural option