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nanjo

By Nanjo

WITNEY, United Kingdom Gb

Hello all, I'm sure many of you know the answer to this question & I would appreciate your replies. My Viburnum in the front garden has been plagued for a few years now with the same problem namely being eaten by small brown caterpillars that turn the leaves brown & give off the most awful smell ( what do they tun into ? ) It's been a long time since it has flowered & I think the only cure is to chop it down.



Photo3233 Photo3234

Answers

 

The larva shown pain the bottom photo is the larva of the virbinium leaf beetle and there is no doubt about it. It is very hard to control and most likely it will need a specific insecticidal spray. You live in the U.K. so I will make no attempt at a recommendation since I do not know what is allowed or available. Good Luck! and Best Regards!

28 May, 2017

 

Thanks Loosestrife2 I think it's time to give it the 'chop', much appreciated :-)

28 May, 2017

 

I wouldn't be too hasty. You need to spray with a systemic insecticide on a regular basis and clear the infected leaf litter. The downside of your problem is that any adjacent Tinus viburnums that aren't sprayed regularly could re-infest your shrub but as your shrub still looks good it might still be worthwhile treating it.

28 May, 2017

 

There are effective treatments for this, see here, but you will note the best time to use sprays is by mid May, but if you're quick, it may still do something this year

https://www.rhs.org.uk/Advice/Profile?pID=556&cID=1440

28 May, 2017

How do I say thanks?

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