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Cyclamen pests #889856

Asked November 14, 2024, 8:04 PM EST

Can you say what might be eating or piercing the leaves in these Cyclamen?

Multnomah County Oregon

Expert Response

Thank you for your question, Brendan.  I am unable to tell from the photos whether the holes are the result of a disease, or an insect, but the most likely player is this virus:   https://pnwhandbooks.org/plantdisease/host-disease/cyclamen-impatiens-necrotic-spot  
(It would have been helpful to have photos of the leaves in the early stages of the hole development, since, as you can read, the most probable disease has distinct phases.)

It is difficult to protect cyclamens from the carrier of the virus, thrips, but covering your plants in the spring may help keep the insect out.  Most gardeners treat cyclamen as an annual plant, so you can compost the ones you have, and start anew in the spring.  Be sure to stay aware of any infection next year, so you can take photos of the symptoms.   Hope this is helpful.   Good luck!

An Ask Extension Expert Replied November 15, 2024, 2:50 PM EST
Thank you! 

Brendan Doyle
Sent from my iPhone

On Nov 15, 2024, at 11:50 AM, Ask Extension wrote:


The Question Asker Replied November 15, 2024, 3:20 PM EST
Welcome!
An Ask Extension Expert Replied November 15, 2024, 3:21 PM EST

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