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hello does anyone know what this might be or how to treat it. I think the climber is pandoria I've been spraying every two weeks with YATES Pyrethrum 200ml Concentrate Insect Pest Killer because I know ants seem to love walking all over it but I think it might be another issue.
I have two climbers both with the same issue and I have them climbing through a brush fence.
Thanks in advance
Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @mattmatt. It's brilliant to have you join us, and many thanks for your question about plant care.
The obvious chew marks around the edges of the leaves point very strongly to a chewing pest, most commonly caterpillars, beetles, or sometimes grasshoppers. These pests tend to feed at night, which is why you might not actually see them during the day, even though the damage is fresh.
The darker, blotchy patches in the middle of the leaves are a bit different and are less typical of simple chewing damage. This can sometimes be caused by insects that rasp or chew only the surface layer of the leaf, leaving damaged tissue that later turns dark. It can also be a sign of secondary fungal or bacterial damage that has set in where the leaf has been stressed or wounded by insects. Pyrethrum is effective against some soft-bodied insects, but it is short-lived and often not very effective against caterpillars once they are established.
A good next step is to inspect the plants in the evening with a torch and look closely on the undersides of the leaves and along the stems for caterpillars or beetles. If you do find caterpillars, a product containing Bacillus thuringiensis, like Dipel, is a much better targeted option and is very effective when applied according to the label. If beetles are present, a different insecticide may be required, as pyrethrum alone can sometimes miss them. You could also try Richgro 250ml Caterpillar Grasshopper And Millipede Killer.
Because the plants are growing through a brush fence, airflow may be limited, which can also encourage leaf issues once damage starts. Pruning out the worst-affected leaves and thinning the growth slightly can help reduce stress and limit any disease spread. Avoid overhead watering if possible, as wet leaves can worsen fungal problems.
In short, I would focus on confirming and treating chewing pests first, as that is clearly part of the issue. Once pest pressure is under control, the new growth should be much healthier, and any secondary leaf damage should stop appearing.
Let me mention @Noelle for her thoughts.
Please let me know if you have any questions.
Mitchell
Fungal and bacterial issues can be treated with a copper-based product such as Yates 200ml Liquid Copper Fungicide, @mattmatt.
Mitchell
