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Plant disease identification #341204

Asked July 09, 2016, 5:44 PM EDT

I have these potted plants on my patio and all of them share this light colored dots on the leaves. I included a photo. Should I be concerned?

Multnomah County Oregon

Expert Response

Thank you for attaching the image.  Unfortunately, it's too  small to see the spots on the plants.

When you reply to this email, please include the following:
- a full-sized image of the spots on one or two leaves
- a full-sized image of an affected plant
- list of the affected plants
- a description of how the plants are reacting to the spots -- For example, are the leaves turning brown or dying?

I look forward to receiving your images and information.
Spearmint, Chocolate Mint, Sage, Rosemary, and more all share the little spots. The plants seem to be doing alright. The mint's lower leaves are drying out and turning yellow, but I think thats because they are running out of room in the small pot? Or the age of each sprig. 

Thanks for responding.
The Question Asker Replied July 16, 2016, 4:07 PM EDT

Thank you for attaching the larger images. The white spots appear to be damage from leafhoppers. In my garden, I find that leafhoppers seem to be temporary pests, also that they tend go to stressed plants. I think your comment about the possible link between small pots and yellowing lower leaves is accurate, also that the limited root room may contribute to the presence of the leafhoppers.

All these herbs will thrive in the garden.  But, if you do that, keep a very close watch on the mints because they tend to run amuck here in the northwest.  Or perhaps move everyone into larger pots. At least 12- inch diameter for the mints, then dig, divide and replant each year. Rosemary can become very large; consider a 5-gallon as an option.

Enjoy your garden!





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