Knowledgebase

Mold on my plants and soaker hose #630135

Asked May 02, 2020, 11:33 AM EDT

There is a yellow circular mold on my pea and chard plants as well as something that looks like webbing but flakes odd on lettuce. How do I treat the peas? The lettuce? What can I do for the hose? I’ve seen what I think are aphids and spider mites on the plants too and am interested in treating them as well. Thanks!

Prince George's County Maryland

Expert Response

Hi- the white, non-linear lines and splotches on chard, lettuce, and pea are caused by the tunneling and feeding of leafminers- very small insects that feed between the upper and lower leaf surface. The adult is a fly. This web page has information on this common pest. Note the link to "floating row cover" a good technique for preventing the problem:
https://extension.umd.edu/hgic/topics/leafminer-vegetables

Other white splotches and dead areas on the pea leaves (3rd photo) were probably caused by environmental conditions- wind, cold temps, wide temp swings, etc- that the plants will grow out of when we get sunnier and warmer weather.

We're not sure what your question is regarding the hose (drip irrigation?)

You may be seeing aphids feeding on various plants now. Typically, this can be ignored as natural enemies usually control aphids. If populations become large and damaging you could spray insecticidal soap to control them.
https://extension.umd.edu/hgic/topics/aphids-vegetables

Spider mites can become a problem during hot, dry weather. It's unlikely you would see them at this time:
https://extension.umd.edu/hgic/topics/spider-mite-vegetables
Jon



Loading ...