About Nancy Expertise I can answer questions on the following subjects:
Pests, chemicals
Showing AVs
Sowing Seeds
Problems with plants
Basics of AV growing
Episcias
Streptocarpus
Experience I am an African violet Advanced Judge in US and Canada. I have written a book on pests of African violets called "Insects, Pests and Diseases of the African Violet Family" My articles appear in African Violet Magazine and Chatter as well as in other magazines.
Organizations AVSA
AVSC
African Violet Society of Greater Montreal
Saintpaulia Society of Montreal
Publications Book author: "Insects, Pests and Diseases of the African Violet Family"
African Violet Magazine, many issues
Chatter Magazine Many issues
Horticulture
Other Magazines
Education/Credentials University of Indiana Master's work (Music)
Awards and Honors Jr. Queen of Show (Pixie Blue) AVSC Convention Montreal
Approximately 100 blue ribbons
25 or so Best of Class
Past/Present clients I sell mostly leaves on Ebay. I sell plants at convention shows and local shows.
Expert: Nancy Date: 10/20/2006 Subject: Aphids on African Violets
Question Hi,
I have what looks like aphids on my African Violet. They are tiny little black granule-looking things and are spread around on the leaves. If these are aphids, what can I do about it; and if it's not aphids, what do you think it is. Otherwise, my violet is doing great! It's just about to bloom for the 3rd time! Hope to hear from you soon. Thanks.
Lindy
Answer Hello Lindy,
Aphids are small 1/8th inch long. This insect is one of the major carriers of virus diseases.
Aphids may be green, yellow, brown, red or black depending on the species involved. Some are spotted, others have stripes.
Their bodies are pear-shaped and they have six legs and antennae. They are wingless for the most part.
You may see small white specks on the foliage. These are not live insects but are the old cast off skins of the nymphs as the progress onto the next stage.
Here are the symptoms of Aphids:
1. Yellowing and curling of leaves
2. Wilt and distortion
3. Stunting of new growth
These symptoms may not appear immediately if you have only one plant with the insects.
Aphids excrete honeydew which may attract ants. A fungus, black sooty mold may grow on the honeydew.
Natural control: Catch insects with your fingers or with tweezers if you have only a few.
Biological control: Lady bugs or lace wings can do an excellent job of cleaning up the infestation.
Chemical control: Aphids seldom kill a plant but they should be controlled. These insects prefer the undersides of leaves so this is where you should find them and eliminate them.
Since it is easy to use insecticidal soap such as Safer's a chemical control is not advised. For a large infestation such as in a greenhouse, I recommend Malathion, Diazinon and pyrethrins.
Aphids are not a major threat to African violets by care must be given when these insects are observed in your collection.
If what is described above does not fit the insects you have, please ask again with description of insect and/or damage caused to the plant. Then we can try to diagnose the problem insect.
