How to deal with persistent psyllids on lilly pillies?

[DIYKeith]

Hi there,

I’m losing a long battle against psyllids on 10 , 1.5 year old Lillie pillies. I’ve been applying eco oil spray every few weeks after cutting back all the infected leaves, however all my new shoots are still getting covered in them. I give them seasol every two weeeks but acknowledge some additional food (not sure what) or soil enricher, compost could also help? I’ve read lots of tips but hoping someone here might have a good combo of remedies. If I drastically cut back this latest spread, will the lilli pillies recover? Thanks! 

 

[EricL]

Hello @DIYKeith

Thanks for sharing your question about persistent psyllids on your Lilly Pillies. Although cutting the infested parts of your plant will help, the psyllids are mobile insects and will simply jump off the dead branch and onto your healthy ones. I suggest increasing the frequency of your eco-oil to once a week. 

In order to thoroughly spray the plant, the underside of the leaves and any hidden branches must be sprayed as well. Since the infestation has been with you for a while, I recommend checking any other nearby plants that might have been infected and spraying those as well. 

Let me call on our experienced members @Noelle and @Adam_W for their recommendations.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

[Noelle]

@DIYKeith 

I agree with Eric's recommendation to increase the frequency of the eco oil and also look at and treat nearby plants too if the psyllids are widespread.

Control is better than removal - eco oil won't harm your plants so apply as often as necessary to keep the pests at bay and minimise the damage.

[DIYKeith]

Thanks @EricL and @Noelle , much appreciated. Good to know I can be more frequent with the eco oil and I’ll look to try and better clear all the dead branches/ leaves that I cut off as I feel that has been a consistent source. (Surrounding plants all seem fine) In terms of overall health, do either of you have recommendation on mulch, fertisiler or food that would be best for the Lilly Pillies? As mentioned I just water with seasol now and have applied, on the advice of Bunnings’s team member, Neutrog Wholflundung last summer. Is there anything else that can help them be as healthy as possible? Thanks again! 

[MitchellMc]

Hi @DIYKeith,

Seasol is an excellent tonic for sick plants, and Whoflungdung is a fabulous nutrient-rich mulch. However, neither is a complete fertiliser. I'd suggest applying some Osmocote Landscape Slow-release Fertiliser, which will be all your plants need fertiliser-wise. I trust @Noelle will add any other suggestions.

Mitchell

[Noelle]

@DIYKeith and @MitchellMc 

Osmocote Native Controlled Release Fertiliser is a viable option to Osmo Landscape Formula. Both are 6 month release and low phosphorus. The Native formulation has the right balance of trace elements for native plants, of which the lillypilly is but one.

[MitchellMc]

@DIYKeith,

Sorry, I forgot about the Native version. Best to use it as per @Noelle's advice.

Mitchell

[DIYKeith]

Great, thanks @MitchellMc and @Noelle I’ll pick up some Osmocote!