Pests of Coleus&Phyllanthus_Identification_Dr.UPR.pdf

Coleus plants are popular for their vibrant foliage and are relatively easy to grow, but they can be susceptible to various pests, especially if grown in humid or outdoor conditions.

Aphids

Symptoms: These tiny, soft-bodied insects suck sap from the plant, causing yellowing or curling of leaves. Aphids often leave behind sticky honeydew that can lead to the growth of sooty mold.
Control: Use insecticidal soap, neem oil, or introduce natural predators like ladybugs or lacewing larvae.
Whiteflies

Symptoms: Whiteflies are small, white, flying insects that feed on plant sap. Like aphids, they can cause yellowing of leaves and lead to the development of mold due to their honeydew secretion.
Control: Sticky traps, neem oil, or insecticidal soap can be effective in controlling whiteflies.
Phyllanthus plants, which include a variety of species, are relatively hardy, but they too can fall victim to some common pests.

Aphids

Symptoms: As with coleus, aphids suck plant sap, causing yellowing and curling of leaves, along with sticky honeydew.
Control: Treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Whiteflies

Symptoms: Whiteflies cause similar issues in Phyllanthus, including yellowing leaves and mold development due to honeydew.
Control: Neem oil, insecticidal soap, or sticky traps.
Scale Insects

Symptoms: Scale insects feed on the sap of Phyllanthus, leaving behind yellowed or deformed leaves and a sticky residue.
Control: Manual removal, rubbing alcohol, or neem oil.
Spider Mites

Symptoms: The feeding of spider mites causes yellow, speckled leaves, and their webbing can appear on the undersides of leaves.
Control: Increase humidity, spray with water, or use miticides.
Thrips

Symptoms: Thrips are tiny, slender insects that damage leaves by puncturing them to feed on plant sap. This can result in silver streaks, curling, and distortion of leaves.
Control: Use insecticidal soap, neem oil, or predatory insects like thrips predators.
Root-Knot Nematodes

Symptoms: These microscopic worms attack the roots of the plant, causing swelling or galls. Affected plants may show stunted growth and yellowing.
Control: Use nematode-resistant soil, beneficial nematodes, or soil treatments to reduce nematode populations.
General Pest Control Tips for Both Plants:
Good cultural practices: Keep the plants healthy by providing the correct water, light, and soil conditions. Healthy plants are less likely to be affected by pests.
Regular inspection: Check plants regularly for signs of pests. Early detection can help you take action before an infestation becomes severe.

1. Pests of Coleus and
Phyllanthus
By
Dr. U. Pirithiraj, P.hD.
Assistant Professor (Entomology)
JSACAT
Affiliated to Tamil Nadu Agricultural University

2. Pests
of
Coleus

3. Tingid bug, Monantha globulifera, Tingidae,
Hemiptera
1
Dr. U. Pirithiraj, P.hD. (Entomology)
Blackspinynymphsandlace
wingedadultssuckthesapfrom
leaves.Attackedleavesdevelop
yellowpatches,becomebrown,
shrivelanddryupinseverecases.
Blackexcretanoticedatthefeeding
site

4. Spike borer, Helicoverpa armigera, Noctuidae,
Lepidoptera
2
Dr. U. Pirithiraj, P.hD. (Entomology)
Larvae initially feed on foliage and later damage developing spikes

5. Pests of Phyllanthus

6. Aphid, Macrosiphum euphorbiae, Aphididae,
Hemiptera
1
Dr. U. Pirithiraj, P.hD. (Entomology)
Weakening and early wilting of the plant, infested leaves show leaf chlorosis,
withering and premature dropping of leaves, finally death of the plant.
Aphids are elongated pear shaped body with large red eyes, black cornicles and
pinkish in colour

7. Whiteflies, Bemisia tabaci, Aleyrodidae, Hemiptera
2
Dr. U. Pirithiraj, P.hD. (Entomology)
White chlorotic spots appear on leaves, which later coalesce to form reddish yellow area
that extends from veins to the outer edges

8. Thrips, Thrips tabaci, Thripidae, Thysanoptera
3
Dr. U. Pirithiraj, P.hD. (Entomology)
Nymphsandadultslaceratethe
leaves,leafcurling,witheringand
deathoftheplant.
Nymphs andadultsarepale
yellowishincolor.

9. Red spider mite, Tetranychusurticae, Tetranychidae,
Acari
4
Dr. U. Pirithiraj, P.hD. (Entomology)
Whitespotsdevelopedonthe
feedingsites,inseverecase,the
wholeleafbecamewhiteanddrying.
Nymphsandadultsareredincolor.
Eggsarelaidontheventralsurface
oftheleavesandarewhitish,
sphericalinshape.