How to stop pest eating Allyn Magic Plant?

[Fari]

Hi, I have planted these Allyn Magic plants about 4 months ago and it seems that something is munching down on their leaves. Any ideas of what this could be and a treatment advise please?

[EricL · Accepted solution]

Hello @Fari 

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's sensational to have you join us, and thanks for sharing your question about your Allyn Magic plant.

It looks like your Allyn Magic plants are being nibbled by chewing insects, and the irregular bite marks along the leaf edges strongly suggest either caterpillars or weevils, both of which are common on Lilly Pilly varieties. Caterpillars, especially looper types, feed at night and hide during the day, while weevils also emerge after dark and leave very similar notched patterns to the ones in your photo. Since both pests behave this way, the easiest way to confirm which one you are dealing with is to go out in the evening with a torch and gently inspect the leaves for small green or brown caterpillars or dark beetles that drop quickly when disturbed, as well as checking for tiny black droppings on or beneath the foliage.

To treat the problem effectively, you can use products that target these chewing pests without harming the plant. Yates Success Ultra is excellent at controlling caterpillars and are fairly gentle on beneficial insects. Eco-Neem is another good choice because it works on both caterpillars and weevils by interfering with their feeding, and it also provides some ongoing protection when used every one to two weeks. Pyrethrum spray is a fast-acting option if you prefer something that works immediately, although it doesn’t last long and is best applied in the evening when the pests are active. If you suspect weevils specifically, you can also make their environment less comfortable by pulling mulch back slightly from the base and sticky barriers to limit their movement.

It will also help your Allyn Magic shrubs recover more quickly if you keep them well watered and give them a gentle feed with a slow-release native fertiliser to support healthy new growth. You don’t need to prune the damaged leaves unless you prefer the look, because the plant will naturally grow past the damage once the pests are under control.

Please note that the chemical sprays must be diluted before use. Please remember to wear personal protection such as gloves, goggles and mask when spraying your plants.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

[bergs]

Hello @Fari 

This is possibly the Lillypilly beetle.Paropsides Calypso.

 

It's the size of a Lady Bird beetle but is all green. Seein your plant is small you may be able to pick them off by hand to get rid of them.

[Fari]

Hi Eric, thanks for your prompt response. I followed your instruction and attended their night party without notice 😅 . They seem to be weevils and I think I am going to start with a quick spray first (Pyrethrum spray) Then a longer term if that's what you would recommend? Also, I was thinking of using Yates Dynamic Lifter after seeing signs of improvement. Would that be the way to go? Cheers, Fari

[EricL]

Hello @Fari 

Aha! Caught the critters green handed! Excellent investigation, now you know exactly what's attacking your Allyn magic plant. I agree with your plan on using Pyrethrum spray and adding Yates Dynamic Lifter to help with soil conditions. Once the pests are under control your plant should be able to recover nicely.

Please remember to wear personal protection when you spray your plants.

Eric

[Fari]

Hi bergs, I have managed to take a few photos and they seem to be weevils. Are they the same as Paropsides Calypso or different? Not quite sure if I have combination of insects (I guess I shouldn't). Cheers, Fari

[EricL]

Hello @Fari 

Let me tag @bergs to make them aware of your observation and question. The Paropsides Calypso or leaf beetle are different from the weevils you currently have on your plant. But they both deliver the same type of damage and that is to eat and consume leaves of the plant.

Eric

[bergs]

Hi @Fari

These are different from the beetle I suggested. There does seem to be plenty of them on your plant. 

What I normally do is mix up water and few drops of dish washing liquid until frothy and spray all over the beetles.

Apparently they breathe through the side of their bodies and this suffocates them.

I have had great success doing this. 

You need to physically spray them when you see them.

Lillypillies are very hardy and should re-shoot where the damage has been caused.

Good Luck!

🍻bergs

[Fari]

Hi There, Eric and Berg,

Just giving you an update. I've been spraying almost every second or third night and the number of the insects has considerably dropped. Given the weather is now a bit cooler, I'm going to start with the fertilizer as planned. I've attached a couple of photos of the current condition and will upload a few in future to see how they are improving. 

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year