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Hi, would anyone know what is happening to my vine? Started with a… | Pests, diseases and problems | Planta community

Jazz

Hi, would anyone know what is happening to my vine? Started with a black crumbs, then chewed up leaves, now leaves are falling. Thank you

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5 comments

  1. Karzdan

    Looks like caterpillars are chewing the leaves. What plant is it?

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    • Jazz

      Bougainvillea about two years old, planted in the ground.

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  2. Jazz

    Yes, I think you are right it’s a Bougainvillea. It was recommended to use Bt every five days. at night.

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  3. Waspinator

    Definitely a caterpillar, most likely bougainvillea looper. Mature bougainvilleas are strong enough to survive despite the damage, but young ones will need extra help. The pesticides that are most effective use BT thurcide or spinosad, but be aware that both of those are also toxic to bees and beneficial predator insects. If you want to manage them with natural predation, you can get mantises from an insect farm or nursery, or you can try to attract wrens, catbirds, and warblers. If you plant flowers in the Apiaceae (carrot and dill) family, you can attract beneficial wasps. The black crumbs are caterpillar poop.

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  4. Jazz

    Thank you! Great information. 👍🏻

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