What's wrong with my mint plant?

Discussion in 'Garden Pest Management and Identification' started by socalclueless, May 20, 2008.

  1. socalclueless

    socalclueless Member

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    The leaves started discoloring and becoming crisp. I've been plucking off the bad looking leaves. Today I came home to find an explosion of black dots all over the plant. Does this mint have a fungal infection?

    (see pix below)
     

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  2. Michael F

    Michael F Paragon of Plants Forums Moderator 10 Years

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    It is being eaten by moth or butterfly caterpillars. The black dots are 'frass' (caterpillar turds). Inspect the leaves carefully, and remove all the caterpillars you find (there may be several). Pay particular attention to any leaves that are folded over and stuck together with webbing. If you can't find them in the leaves, check on the soil or under the pot, or look at night; some caterpillars hide during the day and emerge to feed at night.
     
  3. socalclueless

    socalclueless Member

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    Thank you! I never knew there could be an explosion of caterpillar turds like that :) I examined the plant very closely before I posted the question, and so was surprised when you said it was caterpillars because I was so sure I got nothing. But yesterday I finally found one green caterpillar squirming away. Hope now the plant can recover.
     
  4. socalclueless

    socalclueless Member

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    I have since found five more caterpillars. Those buggers are good at hiding.
     
  5. Michael F

    Michael F Paragon of Plants Forums Moderator 10 Years

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    Not too surprising! Keep looking . . .
     
  6. thumbedcat

    thumbedcat Member

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    Last year caterpillars completely ate my mint (started from seed earlier in the season) when I was away for ONE day. Happy to report the potted mint is back with gusto this year. You'll have try harder than that to kill mint. Good luck!
     

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