Why do I have rust on my Lilly Pilly leaves?
The new growth has a rust look to it and the older leaves have been partly eaten then turn brown and drop off. Some of the leaves are stuck together and I did see a small grub.I have sprayed malathion on but that was just last weekend so not sure if it will do the job.
Hi Cathy,
When looking at the photo there still appears to be a lot of green healthy foliage. With regard to the mottled looking leaves, they may be the result of the plant being infected with a virus. Aphids and other sap sucking insects can carry viruses and as a result the plant will develop a mottled appearance on its leaves. There is not a lot that can be done at this point as the damage has already occurred. What you could do is to give your plant an overall prune and then apply a product such as Dynamic Lifter Soil Improver & Plant Fertiliser. This fertiliser will stimulate the root system to produce new growth so your plant will once again retain a healthy appearance.
With regard to the grubs you have found, by pruning off the leaves that have been affected, you will removing those caterpillars at the same time.
Continue to give your lillypilly regular applications of Dynamic Lifter throughout the growing season and I am confident your plant will recover well.
yates
Answered: 23 Aug, 2013