Blackfly plus?

Discussion in 'General Gardening Discussion' started by gavintarrant, Jul 3, 2011.

  1. gavintarrant

    gavintarrant Gardener

    Joined:
    Aug 15, 2010
    Messages:
    153
    Ratings:
    +7
    Hi

    My poppy leaves have lots of little black pieces, eggs presumably, mainly on undersides but some on top of the leaves. I'm guessing based on nothing but that's the only pest whose name I know that they are blackfly (photo attached).

    Can anyone confirm and also your favourite cures for this?

    Also on some undersides are small white slighty flaky bits that fall off if touched leaving a pale white mark. Any advice you be welcome please.

    thanks
    Gavin.
     

    Attached Files:

    gavintarrant, Jul 3, 2011
    #1 Quote in Conversation
  2. gavintarrant

    gavintarrant Gardener

    Joined:
    Aug 15, 2010
    Messages:
    153
    Ratings:
    +7
    Do I need better pictures or have I really stumped everyone?
     
    gavintarrant, Jul 5, 2011
    #2 Quote in Conversation
  3. shiney

    shiney President, Grumpy Old Men's Club Staff Member

    Joined:
    Jul 3, 2006
    Messages:
    67,276
    Gender:
    Male
    Occupation:
    Retired - Last Century!!!
    Location:
    Herts/Essex border. Zone 8b
    Ratings:
    +134,121
    It looks like blackfly to me.

    Apart from being a little unsightly it shouldn't be too much of a problem if it remains on the leaves. Blackfly suck sap so if they are getting very large in number and on the stem it could affect the flowering. They're unlikely to do much damage as poppies have a fairly short flowering period and there won't be time to affect them.

    You can wash them off with a hose but it's possible the water jet may damage the plant, rub them off with your fingers or put a little washing up liquid in a hand water spray and squirt them with it - which should kill them (but their dead bodies will remain on the plant).

    good luck :dbgrtmb:
     
    • Like Like x 1
      shiney, Jul 5, 2011
      #3 Quote in Conversation
    • Daisies

      Daisies Total Gardener

      Joined:
      May 26, 2005
      Messages:
      9,335
      Gender:
      Female
      Ratings:
      +2,686
      Spray the plant with a week solution of vinegar! About 1 tbl spoon per pint if I recall. However, if that doesn't work, try upping the strength a bit at a time. Neat vinegar is a very efficient weed killer! :WINK1:
       
      • Like Like x 1
        Daisies, Jul 6, 2011
        #4 Quote in Conversation
      Loading...
      Similar Threads - Blackfly plus
      1. berarde

        disease on globe thistles echinops, moths blackfly?

        berarde, Jun 22, 2025, in forum: Pests, Diseases and Cures
        Replies:
        6
        Views:
        757
        Thevictorian
        Jun 23, 2025
      2. FrancescaH

        Blackfly on tomatoes

        FrancescaH, Jun 7, 2021, in forum: Edible Gardening
        Replies:
        3
        Views:
        989
        pete
        Jun 8, 2021
      3. Darmok

        Cherry Blossom Tree - Blackfly and possible shot hole disease?

        Darmok, Jul 17, 2019, in forum: Pests, Diseases and Cures
        Replies:
        2
        Views:
        1,386
        Darmok
        Jul 17, 2019
      4. Goku

        Blackfly Infestation On Cherry Tree/Growing Parsley.

        Goku, May 7, 2018, in forum: NEW Gardeners !
        Replies:
        3
        Views:
        1,090
        Redwing
        May 7, 2018
      5. Redwing

        Help! Who has a cure for cherry blackfly?

        Redwing, May 13, 2017, in forum: General Gardening Discussion
        Replies:
        4
        Views:
        7,579
        Redwing
        May 28, 2017

      Share This Page

      1. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
        By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.
        Accept Learn More...
        Dismiss Notice