mint leaf issue - Ask Extension
Hi,
my potted mint plants have white/yellow marks on the leaves. what is this and how should I treat it?
thanks,
Sharon
Knowledgebase
mint leaf issue #723511
Asked September 13, 2020, 4:32 PM EDT
Hi,
my potted mint plants have white/yellow marks on the leaves. what is this and how should I treat it?
thanks,
Sharon
Baltimore County Maryland
Expert Response
Light colored spots on this herb are caused by sucking insects. Possible culprits include spider mites, whiteflies, thrips, and leafhoppers. Most likely leafhoppers are the culprits. The insects have straw/needle-like mouthparts which they insert into the leaves and withdraw liquids and nutrients. This feeding activity results in coarse, white stippling.
The herbs are fine to eat or dry in that they are harmless, but their potency could be affected, so they may not taste as strong as they would otherwise. You can remove the most damaged leaves. Usually, the plants push out enough new growth that is unaffected. Here is more on leafhoppers https://extension.umd.edu/hgic/topics/leafhoppers-flowers
Marian
The herbs are fine to eat or dry in that they are harmless, but their potency could be affected, so they may not taste as strong as they would otherwise. You can remove the most damaged leaves. Usually, the plants push out enough new growth that is unaffected. Here is more on leafhoppers https://extension.umd.edu/hgic/topics/leafhoppers-flowers
Marian