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Pests and Violet DiseasesAfter you have been growing African violets for awhile, it will become easier to idenify the pests and diseases that commonly afflict them. Violets purchased in discount stores (big box stores) are prone to pests from broad mites to trips, and can often exhibit root rot or crown rot. Identification is the first step to setting your violet back on the road to health, and treating it successfully is the second. Broad Mites Broad mites are very common, and unfortunately, can be difficult to eradicate. They are too small to see with the eye, and their presence can only be known through the effects on the plant. Symptoms are small leaf development of crown leaves, with a thickened, hairy appearance. In addition, with broad mites, the leaves will curl downward. If cyclamen mites are present, the leaves will curl upwards. Thrips Thrips thrive in stagnant water, and while difficult to detect, can be seen under close examination. They are small, quick-moving silvery to gray bugs that scatter when disturbed. TreatmentNeem oil, available in many garden centers, is effective against mites and thrips. Mix one teaspoon Neem oil and one fourth teaspooon dishwashing detergent to one quart of tepid water. Shake well and use as a spray once a week, being sure to coat the undersides of leaves as well as the tops. After about three weeks, the mites should be eradicated. This same treatment works for thrips as well.  The photo at right shows the effects of broad mites on the growth of the center leaves of a plant. They are thick, turning under, are small and not growing to the correct shape. Powdery Mildew 
Powdery mildew appears as a whitish substance on the leaves, flower stems or blossoms of plants. Spraying a light mist with Lysol, making sure to spray the leaf bottoms as well as the tops will kill this fungus. The spray will affect the blossoms, but the plant will most likely send up new ones soon after the mildew is cured. Fungus Knats 
Fungus knats are very small, resembling fruit flies. They pose little harm to plants. They thrive in moist, warm environments, and can quickly grow to numbers that make them very annoying. A drier environment will help to eradicate them. If this is not successful, hanging a pest strip near your plants or lightly spraying with a general insect spray will help to keep them under control. Read the labels to make sure you find one that does not harm African violets. |
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