Re: [aroid-l] Non-Aroid Question - Hibiscus Trouble

From: "Ron" ronlene at adelphia.net> on 2003.11.10 at 17:38:48(10795) Hi Marc, The problem you have is a recent introduction to this country. It's a Midge genus Contarinia that shows the same symptoms that you are describing. The larva enters the bud and distorts or kills the flower. At present there is no cure for it. It affects hibiscus and many genera of orchids. I suggest that you prune the branches back beyond the buds and start again. A systemic soil drench may help. Ron Kessler +More -----Original Message----- On Behalf Of mburack@mindspring.com Sent: Monday, November 10, 2003 11:01 AM To: aroid-l@lists.ncsu.edu Subject: [aroid-l] Non-Aroid Question - Hibiscus Trouble Hello all- I am sorry to bother the list with a non-aroid issue. I do however know that many of you are in South Florida, and I have an issue which has taken me to the point of total desperation. Therefore, please excuse this divergence from correct topic matter and understand that I am at my wits end. I have an unstoppable problem with a large hibiscus growth, and all traditional means of eradication have failed. I was wondering if anyone is familiar with the problem and if there is a known solution. What happens is that this large growth constantly aborts flower buds or does produce some flowers which are marred and destroyed. Before you jump to a quick conclusion, this isnt a thrip problem (Thrips are the common cause of this kind of thing on hibiscus plants in Florida). Upon inspection of buds (tearing them open) I find what look like tiny worms. The worms seem to be very active and actually "jump". To make a long story short, I have treated the plant with systemics 4 times already each time spaced out by 7 days. It seems to improve things but the problem never completely goes away, and furthermore quickly returns. I have also called multiple garden centers and they seem to claim to not know what I am talking about. As an aside, I was at my parents house yesterday and I saw similar damage to a hibiscus tree which I gave the same kind of inspection. Found the same problem so I cant be the only one in the world. Anyone familiar with this issue, and/or have any suggestions how to stop it? Thanks again. Marc -------------------------------------------------------------------- mail2web - Check your email from the web at http://mail2web.com/ .

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