Alyssum has pin holes - Ask Extension
In one of my pots with several types of flowers (petunias) only the alyssum have pin holes
What is doing that?
Knowledgebase
Alyssum has pin holes #751651
Asked May 23, 2021, 6:20 PM EDT
In one of my pots with several types of flowers (petunias) only the alyssum have pin holes
What is doing that?
Lake County Minnesota
Expert Response
A photo might help. If I were to make a stab at it based on your description, I'd guess flea beetles:
https://extension.umn.edu/yard-and-garden-insects/flea-beetles
This is also about the time we'd be seeing four-lined plant bugs:
https://extension.umn.edu/yard-and-garden-insects/four-lined-plant-bugs
Other possibilities include aphids and mites, but you'd see leaf curling if these were the problem. That is why a photo would help.
Thanks for your quick response
Thanks for the photos. Based on the photos, I can rule out aphids and mites. I also don't think the damage is four-lined plant bug. But it is consistent with flea beetles. I couldn't find information about flea beetles on alyssum specifically, but they are definitely a pest of the related crucifer vegetable family.
And I'll add another possibility, slugs:
https://extension.umn.edu/yard-and-garden-insects/slugs
My advice is to monitor the plants several times a day, especially early morning and evening, to see if you can catch the culprit.
And, by the way, I also see some damage from leaf miner, another alyssum pest.
And I'll add another possibility, slugs:
https://extension.umn.edu/yard-and-garden-insects/slugs
My advice is to monitor the plants several times a day, especially early morning and evening, to see if you can catch the culprit.
And, by the way, I also see some damage from leaf miner, another alyssum pest.
Thanks very much, Dennis, for your help
All other plants (which I’ve purchased for my 8 patio pots are healthy - I’m wondering if this could have come from wherever I bought them from
Thanks for your help
Joyce
More likely they came from the great outdoors.
