Expert: Greg Simpson - 7/2/2006

Question
For the past three years my yucca plants have set blossoms and then dried up and died. (The blossoms) This year I checked the plants and found a tiny hard shelled beetle orangy-red and black and when I looked inside an opened blossom I found not only the beetles but a white moth like insect.  What is it and how can I save my plants' blossoms?

Answer
Dear Marcia,

Yucca's are pollinated only by moth's specifically, so I'm not surprised to hear that. The beetle may also be attracted to the flower as well, but probably won't hurt the plant. With Yucca's, the only thing you need to worry about is a beetle that looks like a boll weevil. Their larva eat their way to the crown of the plant and can kill it.

So if boll weevil's are present, you may have reason for concern. The only effective treatment is a systemic pesticide. Check with your local nursery for treatment options. Hope this helps.

Sincerely,

Greg