How to deal with persistent psyllids on lilly pillies?

DIYKeith

Hi there,

I’m losing a long battle against psyllids on 10 , 1.5 year old Lillie pillies. I’ve been applying eco oil spray every few weeks after cutting back all the infected leaves, however all my new shoots are still getting covered in them. I give them seasol every two weeeks but acknowledge some additional food (not sure what) or soil enricher, compost could also help? I’ve read lots of tips but hoping someone here might have a good combo of remedies. If I drastically cut back this latest spread, will the lilli pillies recover? Thanks! 

EricL

Hello @DIYKeith

Thanks for sharing your question about persistent psyllids on your Lilly Pillies. Although cutting the infested parts of your plant will help, the psyllids are mobile insects and will simply jump off the dead branch and onto your healthy ones. I suggest increasing the frequency of your eco-oil to once a week. 

In order to thoroughly spray the plant, the underside of the leaves and any hidden branches must be sprayed as well. Since the infestation has been with you for a while, I recommend checking any other nearby plants that might have been infected and spraying those as well. 

Let me call on our experienced members @Noelle and @Adam_W for their recommendations.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric