Root maggots are small fly larvae that tunnel into the roots of a variety of common garden plants, such as cabbage and onions, causing wilting, chlorosis, and root rot, and ruining harvests. Learn all you need to know about the species you might find, the crops they attack, and the control options available to you now.
Late blight can rapidly devastate entire tomato crops under favorable conditions. Experts advise checking plants at least twice a week to monitor for this infection, and you can consult local resources to find out if it is active in your area. Read more to learn what to look for and how to prevent late blight.
If you’re growing lettuce it can sometimes feel as though all the animals and insects in the neighborhood want to share your homegrown harvest. In this guide, we’ll cover the most common lettuce pests, both large and small, and provide tips on how to identify the culprits, prevent, and control them. Read more now.
Although bergenia is a low maintenance plant that is rarely bothered by pests, there are exceptions. Black vine weevils can chew notches on the leaves and damage the roots. Slugs can be a problem in plants that have decaying leaves on them. Read on to learn how to control these pests on your bergenia plants.
Smuts are fungi that ruin crops like corn, rice, wheat, and onions, as well as lawns and ornamentals. They are characterized by growths called galls, and foliar and fruit disfigurement. In this article we discuss different types of smut fungus and ways to avoid them in the home garden. Read on for all you need to know.
Although bergenia typically resists disease, specialized fungi can attack these plants. The most common disease is anthracnose, which can cause spots on the leaves and stems, and more rarely, crown or rhizome rot. Fortunately leaf spots are treatable. Read on to learn how to recognize and control diseases in bergenia.
Leaf miners are tiny larvae that burrow between leaf layers, leaving behind silvery tunnels filled with dark frass – especially unattractive and unappetizing on ornamentals and leafy greens. Learn everything you need to know about these miniscule immature insects and the variety of control options available to you.
Wriggly masses of tent caterpillars on a tree can be a pretty scary sight. Not only can they completely defoliate a tree, but they look like something out of a horror film. This guide will help you learn how to identify and get rid of these common pests, but it also explains why you might want to leave them be instead.
Even though most wasps are harmless and beneficial, the few aggressive, social species out there give the group a bad name. When they decide to build a nest near your home or garden, you may decide to eliminate them. Learn all you need to know about how to identify problem species and the control options available now.
Thrips are miniscule, common, unwelcome garden pests that leave scars on flowers and fruits, distort leaves, and vector pathogens, including a couple serious plant viruses. Learn all you need to know about these tiny, cigar-shaped insects, how to monitor for them, and the variety of control options available to you.
Beneficial nematodes may be used to control soilborne insects in their larval and nymph stages. These tiny, worm-like organisms penetrate the body of their host, introducing a strain of bacteria that kills the host insect. Learn how to use beneficial nematodes for garden pest control in this guide. Read more now.
Many types of fungi, a water mold, and several viruses can infect asparagus plants, with varying degrees of severity. This guide will help you to diagnose what is ailing your crop and provide tips on what to do about it. Read on to learn about the dizzying array of pathogens that can infect asparagus.
Hearing thousands of chorusing periodical cicadas is an event you do not want to miss. Before they emerge though, put some thought into how you will protect your young trees, because they can do some damage. Learn all you need to know about these bugs and how to control them to prevent garden damage. Read more now.
There is nothing more disappointing than finding caterpillars chewing the seedlings to bits, aphids sucking on the stems, or larvae wriggling in the flower heads of the sunflowers you planted. Read more now to learn everything you need to know about common Helianthus insect pests and how to deal with them.
If your corn seedlings are dying, you might feel like you’ll never get to enjoy homegrown corn on the cob. But if you know the five main reasons why young corn plants fail to thrive, you can solve the problem and go on to achieve sweet success. Find out why your corn seedlings are suffering in this guide. Read more now.
If the thrumming sound of summer cicadas seems to start early this year, it’s likely because your region is experiencing a springtime emergence of a 17-year periodical species. Rising from the ground in droves, cicadas may pose a threat to the trees in your landscape. Read on to find out if you need to take action now.
Growers typically plant resistant apple varieties to control the major pathogens in their region. What can home gardeners do to prevent the occurrence of diseases on their apple trees? Read more to discover prevention techniques, learn ways to identify common diseases of apples, and implement control methods.
If your corn is dying of seedling blight, also called damping off, it’s easy to feel frustrated. But take heart – with a bit of background knowledge and prevention, you can keep a second crop from getting infected. Read more now to find out the answers to your most pressing corn seedling blight questions.
The fungal disease purple spot produces purple lesions on asparagus spears as they emerge from the ground. It spreads from infected asparagus residue that remains in your garden. This disease can be severe in wet weather and shorten the lifespan of your plants. Read on to learn how to manage this disease.
The organisms that cause crown and root rot can live in the soil for very long periods. There are no good chemical controls for Fusarium, but there are some for Phytophthora. You can minimize the stress to your asparagus to prevent these diseases and make them more likely to survive. Read on to learn these steps.
Asparagus rust is a highly complicated fungal disease with four different stages that can invade your plants without showing symptoms until it is too late. Cultivars bred to be resistant to this pathogen often lose effectiveness over time. Read on to learn what symptoms to look for and how to treat your infected plants.
Hellebores provide color in the late winter to early spring garden with their delightful cup-shaped flowers. While they are typically trouble-free, these robust plants can occasionally suffer from infestations. Learn how to identify and control the most common hellebore pests in this guide. Read more now.
Forsythia is a spring-blooming shrub that is best known for its profusion of bright yellow blossoms. While they are generally quite healthy, this sturdy and fast-growing shrub sometimes develops knobby bumps along its stems. Read on to find out what these unattractive growths are and why you shouldn’t ignore them.
Allium leaf miners are devastating pests of garlic, onions, shallots, chives, and leeks – and can destroy an entire crop. These invasive pests are spreading rapidly throughout the mid-Atlantic and northeastern regions of the US. Learn how to identify, prevent, and control allium leaf miners in this guide. Read more now.
Hellebores provide color in the late winter to early spring landscape and are typically trouble-free. However, there are some diseases that may infect your plants, caused by fungi, water molds, and a particularly virulent virus. Learn how to identify and treat common hellebore diseases in this guide. Read more now.
Agapanthus are easygoing, robust plants that don’t typically succumb to disease. However, in some cases they may become infected by fungi and water molds, generally as a result of poor growing conditions. Learn how to diagnose and treat the most common agapanthus diseases in this guide. Read more now.
Root-knot nematodes are a threat to plants and crops worldwide. Infestations can be difficult to diagnose and control, but you can prevent the spread of the nematodes by implementing a number of cultural and organic measures. Learn how to identify, manage, and prevent a root-knot nematode infestation. Read more now.
If you’re growing hellebores and they are showing signs of disease, you’ll need to rule out hellebore black death. This incurable viral infection is characterized by black streaks on the leaves, stems, and flower bracts. Learn more about this devastating disease and how to identify it in this guide. Read more now.
Amaryllis bulbs can rot for a variety of reasons, like fungal infections or insect infestation, but some can be avoided. Are you doing everything you can to ensure beautiful blooms, and growing your decorative holiday plants in the best possible conditions? Read our top tips now to ensure healthy bulbs, indoors or out.
Whether grown in a pot or in your garden, amaryllis bulbs can be attacked by the pernicious disease known as southern blight. This fungus is extremely difficult to control, so preventing it is of the utmost importance. Read on to learn how to diagnose southern blight and prevent it from attacking your plants.
Christmas cactus is a popular gift at holiday time that makes an attractive and long-lived houseplant. By manipulating its growing conditions, you can enjoy an abundance of blooms every year. Generally low-maintenance, sometimes a plant is troubled by pests. Read on to learn which ones they are and how to manage them.
Cabbage loopers may look like harmless inchworms but their voracious munching can damage many crops in your garden including kale, turnips, cabbage, and broccoli. There are a number of methods that you can use to manage these caterpillars. Learn how to identify and control cabbage loopers in this guide.
Pumpkin plants are highly susceptible to powdery mildew, a fungal infection can affect the quality of the fruit. In severe cases, it can destroy your whole crop. However, there are treatments available and preventative measures you can take. Learn how to prevent and treat powdery mildew on your pumpkins in this guide.
Sooty mold is an unsightly condition that occurs when sap-sucking insects leave behind a sugary substance on the leaves or stems of your plants and dark-colored fungi colonize the area to feed on the sugars. The is often merely cosmetic but severe cases can damage or kill your plants. Learn more about sooty mold now.
Not sure what’s plaguing your tomatoes? Our roundup of common tomato plant diseases can help you to identify, treat, and prevent a variety of fungal, bacterial, and viral ailments, as well as other issues that may arise. From Alternaria stem canker to Verticillium wilt, we’ve got you covered. Read more now.
Dealing with beet diseases is frustrating, and some of them can destroy your harvest. From bacteria to viruses, there are lots of potential pathogens you may face. With the right knowledge, you can tackle most problems before they get out of hand. Read more now to learn how to identify and tackle your garden woes.
Do your cabbage plants appear diseased? An array of organisms can afflict cabbage plants, ranging in severity from powdery mildew, which generally does not kill its hosts, to bacterial soft rot, which totally decimates them. Read on to figure out which pathogen has infected your cabbages and what you can do about it.
While the American hazelnuts grown on the East Coast are resistant to Eastern filbert blight, this disease can be devastating to the prized European cultivars commonly grown in Oregon and Washington State. Ready to learn how to identify, prevent, and manage this potentially lethal disease? Read more now.
Cauliflower is a cool-weather crop that’s challenging to grow. It takes an ideal combination of temperature, moisture, and nutrients for pristine heads to form. Sometimes, even with best practices, plants fall victim to disease. Read on to learn how to avoid, recognize, and address 12 common cauliflower conditions now.
Excessively large green tomato buds that do not develop into flowers can be a sign that your plants are infected with tomato big bud phytoplasma. This disease is incurable, so your main focus should be on prevention. Read on to learn what to look for and how to prevent this disease from infecting your tomato plants.
Sclerotinia stem rot, or white mold of tomato lives up to its name causing brittle dead stalks filled with fluffy white clumps of fungus. This disease frequently kills tomato plants, and the fungi can live in the soil for up to a decade. Read on to learn how to recognize the symptoms and prevent it from spreading.
Gray mold on strawberries is a disease caused by Botrytis that is very common throughout the world, and difficult to control. The fungus is even resistant to most fungicides. Read more now to learn what steps you can take to control this potentially devastating fungus, and prevent it from ruining your harvest.
Some types of fungi have developed resistance to a number of the fungicides used to control them. However, by knowing how these compounds target the fungi, we can develop a plan to vary treatments and alternate between different types, making resistance much less likely. Read on to learn how to rotate fungicides.
Raspberry fruitworms eat the leaves of raspberries and blackberries, and their larvae infest the fruit. Since this can lead to a very unpleasant surprise for consumers, it is fortunate that there is a range of control options. Gardener’s Path will train you how to monitor your populations of these pests and control them.
Canna, often called canna lily, is a rhizomatous perennial with spikes of bright blossoms, and ample, tropical-style foliage. Under less than ideal conditions, it may fall victim to a condition called rust. Learn what this is, how to treat an infection, and what preventative measures you may take to avoid an outbreak.
Sex appeal comes in all shapes and sizes, but in insects, it’s often rooted in trace amounts of a pheromone. Gardeners and growers use this to their advantage by luring and trapping the males or preventing them from finding their mates. Read on to learn how to use these hormones to control pests in your garden.
Almond hull rot occurs at hull split and can limit the ability of the trees to bear fruit in the future. And the infected nuts that remain on the tree can harbor navel orange worms. This disease is much worse in well-fertilized and properly irrigated trees. Read on to learn how to prevent and control almond hull rot.
Cabbage maggots are tiny insects in the soil, and often by the time the plants show symptoms, it is too late to save them. Knowing what to look for lets you monitor for them and identify their presence in time to implement control measures. Read on to learn how to identify and control these pernicious pests.
Armillaria root rot is a serious fungal infection that attacks many different plants. This fungus can devastate apples and most other kinds of fruit trees. Resistant to fungicide treatments, it is difficult to control. Learn what makes this pathogen so hard to control and how to prevent infection in your apple trees.
Stressed pecan trees can be susceptible to pecan twig dieback disease. Caused by fungi, this infection cannot be cured by fungicides. Learn how to identify pecan twig dieback and steps you can take to prevent it from taking hold and how to treat infected trees. Plus tips on how to keep your trees healthy. Read more now.
Are you aggravated by ants crawling around your home? If you have an infestation in your house or yard, it can be very difficult to get it under control. Discover the different methods for controlling ants, including how and when to use bait and what works best for different species. Learn how to eradicate ants now.
Thief ants get their name because they steal food and larvae from other ant colonies. These tiny ants have the dubious honor of being among the most difficult types of ants to control in your home – and they can spread human diseases. Learn how to identify, prevent, and manage a thief ant infestation. Read more now.
Argentine ants are one of the most invasive of all ant species. With multiple queens and colonies, they can quickly take over large areas, spreading disease and encouraging crop pests. Learn how to identify these insects and strategies to manage an Argentine ant infestation in your home and garden. Read more now.
Despite kale’s tendency to be healthy and vigorous, the plants can be vulnerable to insects, nematodes, bacteria, and fungi under certain circumstances. Read on to learn how to identify and control pests and pathogens on your kale plants.
Don’t let your kale get overrun with pests. If you’re growing kale in your vegetable garden there’s a good chance you’ve got some insects damaging your plants. If they get out of control you’ll want to take action. Learn how to identify who’s chomping on your greens and kill these bugs naturally. Read more now.
The invasive spotted lanternfly is currently under quarantine in multiple states, and could easily cause billions of dollars of damage in Pennsylvania alone. It feeds on hardwood and fruit trees and vines, and is a particular threat to grape vines and hops. Read on to learn how to manage an infestation.
Citronella ants feed on insect secretions rather than human food. So, you might not think they are a threat. However, these ants frequently invade houses when they swarm and look like termites. Read on to discover the difference between citronella ants and termites and what to do when you are under siege.
Apricot soft rot caused by Rhizopus is a very serious infection that can destroy all your ripe peaches, apricots, nectarines, or plums . However, you can take steps to minimize the chances of your stone fruits from being infected. Read on to learn how to prevent Rhizopus rot in your harvest.
Pharaoh ants are highly difficult to control. While they are extensive problems in Florida and Texas, they also infest buildings in cooler climates. These aggressive ants will even attack the skin of burn victims in hospitals. Read on for tips on controlling these foreign invaders.
While you may think of potatoes when you think of soft rot, these bacterial diseases destroy a range of plants – from broccoli to tomatoes. There is no cure once your produce is infected, but there are steps you can take to prevent infection. Read on to learn how to protect your stored crops against bacterial soft rot.
Odorous house ants are native to the entire continental United States and are one of the most common types of ants that infest houses. They prefer warm, moist places like hot water heaters and will even nest behind paneling. Read on to learn how to eradicate these invasive creatures.
An incurable grapevine disease that is spread by very common insects threatens grapevines in warmer parts of the United States. However, there are steps you can take to prevent your plants from becoming infected by both tackling the insects that spread it and implementing cultural methods to protect your plants. Read on to learn how to prevent Pierce’s disease.
White spot fungi are selective in the crucifers they infect and cause disease on the leaves of turnip, rutabaga, canola, mustard, radish, and horseradish. The fungi overwinter on volunteer plants and cruciferous weeds. Read on to learn how to control white spot fungus on crucifers.
Turnip and rutabaga plants can be severely infested by several types of insects. While row covers can prevent some of these infestations, wireworms are soil-borne threats that can cause the end of the season’s crop in an infested field. Read on to learn how to manage cabbage aphids, root maggots, flea beetles, sawflies, and more.
From its initial discovery in California in 2009, the spotted wing Drosophila spread throughout the US wreaking havoc on raspberries, blueberries, and many other types of fruits. This fly is very difficult to control, but you can do so organically. Read on to learn how to control this pest in your home garden.
Bacterial leaf spot on turnip can be caused by two different types of bacteria. This disease spreads easily and can be very difficult to control. Preventing the pathogens from becoming established is the best way to protect your turnip crop. Read on to learn how to protect your plants from these bacteria.
Cool, wet conditions favor downy mildew infection on turnips. Not only can the pathogen destroy the leaves, but it can also spread into the root and cause the turnips to crack. Fall crops are particularly susceptible to this fungus-like organism. Read on to learn how to prevent and control this disease.
Species of the fungus Alternaria can infect your turnips, causing leaf spots and spreading to the seed pods. There are a number of methods to prevent this disease, and both microbial and synthetic fungicides that will control it. To learn how to prevent and control this disease, read more now on Gardener’s Path.
Black rot of turnips caused by Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris is a devastating bacterial disease that is easily spread. Since it is very difficult to control, preventing it from becoming established is your best bet. Read on to learn how to keep your turnips from becoming infected with black rot.
Cotton root rot infects more than 2,300 plant species in the southwest, including apples, peaches, almonds, and most other fruit and nut trees. While the disease is usually fatal, there are some steps you can take that might save your tree. Read on at Gardener’s Paths to find what to do if your tree has this disease.
Wet soils encourage the development of fatal Phytophthora infections on fruit trees. However, you can take measures to prevent these infections. Read on to learn how to avoid collar and crown rot on your trees.
Do your shade, nut, or fruit tree limbs and trunks have unsightly growths on them? If so, they are probably burr knots or crown gall. One is due to roots growing on the stems, while the other is a bacterial infection. Prevention is the best bet for these disorders. Learn how to prevent and, in some cases, control them.
Walnut husk flies are damaging pests, particularly in California and Washington State. The flies pupate in the ground for 1-2 years and spend their larval stage hidden inside the husks. However, by monitoring the adults, you will know when to treat these pests before they lay their eggs. Read on to learn how to control these voracious insects.
Since southern blight can infect hundreds of plants and live in the soil for years, it is a severe threat to apple and crabapple trees. Especially if you live in the south, learn how to prevent this disease and keep it at bay with rigorous sanitation.
The complex of apple black rot cankers, black rot on fruit, and frogeye leaf spot can cause serious losses on apples and crabapples. However, you can minimize the damage by removing dead tissue and mummified fruit. Read on to learn the details of controlling these diseases.
If you’re growing caraway in your herb garden this year, you may have to deal with insect pests or diseases that are common to this plant. Read on to learn about preventative measures, how to recognize signs of trouble, and methods for addressing an infestation or infection, in this concise guide.
The fungus Armillaria attacks trees and shrubs in a wide variety of soils around the world. It can cause a fatal root rot on all fruit trees, including apricots. Read on to learn how to prevent this tree killer from infecting your apricot tree.
Crown gall bacteria can infect apples, crabapples, peaches, pears, nectarines, apricots, and plums throughout the world – causing unsightly growths that can girdle the trees and kill them. Read on to find out how to prevent this soil-borne disease from attacking your fruit trees.
Bot rot (white rot) can result in cankers on the limbs and twigs and fruit rot that may not show until your apples or crabapples rot after storage. Fortunately, this fungus only infects trees that are stressed. Read on to learn how to prevent infections from occurring.
Sago palm makes a sturdy addition to the garden in warm climates. But what should you do if pests and disease plague your cycads? Whether you’re dealing with scale, rot, yellowing, or mold, a nutrient deficiency, or a simple case of overwatering, we’re here to help with our pro tips! Read more now on Gardener’s Path.
California is trying to avoid Florida’s fate of the destruction of its citrus industry due to citrus greening. Homeowners are the focus of preventing the spread of this lethal disease because all of the infected trees in California have been residential trees. Read on to discover what you can do to protect your tree.
While you may have heard of mosquito-repelling plants, and while there are some that contain substances that do indeed repel the dreaded pests, it’s a bit more complicated than simply adding new plants to the landscape. At Gardener’s Path now, learn the best way to keep mosquitoes from biting at backyard barbecues.
Apricot, peach, nectarine, and plum fruit are susceptible to the unsightly scab disease. Wet weather triggers its spread, but the fungus can lurk on your trees undetected until the tree starts producing fruit. Read now to learn how to control this disease using cultural methods and, if necessary, fungicides.
Let’s put our hands together for the bats! These flying critters are vital in the backyard and offer their services as bug catchers of the highest caliber. By offering bats a place to roost in your garden, you can encourage them to make regular appearances, offering their mosquito-catching skills. To learn the benefits of bats, plus tips to build your very own bat box, read more now on Gardener’s Path.
Are cockroaches — much to your horror — running amuck in your garden? Check out Gardener’s Path for advice on discouraging and killing these vile creatures. We’ve got ideas for natural deterrents, as well as tips for bringing out the big guns, if you really have to.