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

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
 
-----Original Message-----
From: aroid-l-owner@lists.ncsu.edu [a*@lists.ncsu.edu]
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
 
 
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