I have a sick rosemary - all other plants near by it are fine - they are all in pots however the rosemary has just never taken off i thought it was because it was in direct sun so for the last few months it has been hidden away and tonight i gave it a proper going over and found a lot like 20 or 30 of the below all on the branches and little holes in the pot's soil.
Im not too fussed about reviving this particular plant but want to know what these things are and if there is a chance they are going to start munching other plants near by - the rosemary is now in the spc (sick plant corner) along with a wisteria which just aint happy.
Full Version: bug on sick rosemary
hi ya dude
Chrysolina americana - This species is native to the Mediterranean region, and was first recorded in Britain in June 1994 on Rosemary at the RHS garden, Wisley, Surrey. Since its discovery it is known to have become established at several localities in the London area and has now been recorded from Kent, Essex, Cambridgeshire, the Norwich area and Leicestershire, either from plants in garden centres or as established populations in domestic gardens or parks.
Females lay eggs in the spring and autumn. Elongate light brown eggs are laid at random on the leaves of the host plants, which have been recorded as rosemary, lavender and thyme. In captivity one pair of beetles produced 590 eggs over a six month period. Eggs hatch after about 15 days with the larval period lasting approximately 20 days, during which time the larva moults 3 times. Pupation takes place in the soil with adults emerging after about 23 days. Both the adults and the larvae feed on the flowers and leaves of the host plants. They overwinter as adults and disperse by flying, and additionally by transportation through the plant trade.
In the Mediterranean region this species is not considered to be a pest. Monitored populations here in England have not been found to cause extensive damage to plants, although commercial lavender growers might find it a nuisance. It requires mild winters to survive and the recent trend in warmer British winters is thought to have enabled this attractive beetle to become established in Southern and Eastern England.
N.B. This striped beetle species was originally described by the famous biologist Linneaus in 1758, the specific name americana is thought to have been coined in honour of the American striped flag and may give a wrong impression that it came from America.
they have adapted well in the uk and the colouring is a little darker some times
riptd
Chrysolina americana - This species is native to the Mediterranean region, and was first recorded in Britain in June 1994 on Rosemary at the RHS garden, Wisley, Surrey. Since its discovery it is known to have become established at several localities in the London area and has now been recorded from Kent, Essex, Cambridgeshire, the Norwich area and Leicestershire, either from plants in garden centres or as established populations in domestic gardens or parks.
Females lay eggs in the spring and autumn. Elongate light brown eggs are laid at random on the leaves of the host plants, which have been recorded as rosemary, lavender and thyme. In captivity one pair of beetles produced 590 eggs over a six month period. Eggs hatch after about 15 days with the larval period lasting approximately 20 days, during which time the larva moults 3 times. Pupation takes place in the soil with adults emerging after about 23 days. Both the adults and the larvae feed on the flowers and leaves of the host plants. They overwinter as adults and disperse by flying, and additionally by transportation through the plant trade.
In the Mediterranean region this species is not considered to be a pest. Monitored populations here in England have not been found to cause extensive damage to plants, although commercial lavender growers might find it a nuisance. It requires mild winters to survive and the recent trend in warmer British winters is thought to have enabled this attractive beetle to become established in Southern and Eastern England.
N.B. This striped beetle species was originally described by the famous biologist Linneaus in 1758, the specific name americana is thought to have been coined in honour of the American striped flag and may give a wrong impression that it came from America.
they have adapted well in the uk and the colouring is a little darker some times
riptd
Am a bit gutted as there is a lavender looking a bit worse for wear at the moment and i have another few which look stunning at the moment but am now bricking it they are going to get munched - better get checking for the next few weeks for any signs of them.
Looks like the rosemary is destined for the bin then asap and global warming has bitten me in the arse
Thanks for quick replay and such an in depth answer.
Looks like the rosemary is destined for the bin then asap and global warming has bitten me in the arse
Thanks for quick replay and such an in depth answer.
your welcome my friend .... don't give up on the plants just yet ...... just keep picking them off
at least you know what they are and they can be kept in check easy enough
good luck
riptd
ps repot and try a little biological control.......may be a predatory nematode may help
at least you know what they are and they can be kept in check easy enough
good luck
riptd
ps repot and try a little biological control.......may be a predatory nematode may help
Ok will hold off on binning it - the beetles are easy enough to spot and pull off - eggs on the tiny rosemary leaves on the other hand will be a bit more effort. Will take a peek at the nematodes - i have just got some diatomaceous earth do u reckon its worth adding a top layer of that or are beetles exoskeletons too thick for it to affect them?
QUOTE (highgrower @ May 26 2009, 10:43 PM) 
Ok will hold off on binning it - the beetles are easy enough to spot and pull off - eggs on the tiny rosemary leaves on the other hand will be a bit more effort. Will take a peek at the nematodes - i have just got some diatomaceous earth do u reckon its worth adding a top layer of that or are beetles exoskeletons too thick for it to affect them?
yeah give it a try .... I will do a little research and see what I can find out for you ..re the nematodes
do you use fish mix as a feed ... if you don't ... then start to ... the beneficial nematode count go's through the roof after a few months and that would include predatory beneficial nematodes....
I can not reiterate how good it is to use fishmix or fish and shell fish derived composts
good luck
riptd
QUOTE (ripthedrift @ May 26 2009, 10:50 PM)
do you use fish mix as a feed ... if you don't ... then start to ... the beneficial nematode count go's through the roof after a few months and that would include predatory beneficial nematodes....
Yup gave all the plants on the terrace a good feed of it at the start of spring - the lupin went mad after it got it and 3 buds sites appeared. Will give them all another dose when we get some sun.
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