How to revive tree tomato after aphid attack?

[wendyb_9]

Hi, Apologies in advance for the long story.  
I bought my tree tomato about 3 months ago, it was badly root bound and quite pale so I repotted it using organic fruit potting mix, a bit of cow manure and some peat mix, with an inch of scoria in the bottom for drainage.
It immediately got attacked by what I assume are aphids, wilted and looked very sick so I treated it with EcoOil, gave it a dose of seasol, and it picked up straight way. Treated twice more with EcoOil, one more spray of seasol and it is really green now but the aphids are back and the underneath of the leaves are covered in ants which I can’t get rid of - some days there are heaps.
I have to wait another 2 weeks to re-treat with EcoOil as it says not to exceed 3 applications within a 4-8 week period. (it’s been about 3 weeks since the 3rd dose). 

 

 

and now some of the new leaves are going crinkly and turning up at the edges and the larger leaves have brown spots on them. 
I live at the Gold Coast, the weather has been alternating between days of rain then 30+ with shocking humiidity for days.
It is in a sheltered spot, gets the morning sun, then filtered light from about 12pm. The soil is wet as it’s been raining but not waterlogged and quite loose to rake with your fingers. 

 

 

 

 

 

I’ve had a tree tomato before which got ripped apart in a hail storm and never recovered but it was really low maintenance - tons of fruit and hardly any pests.  Not sure what’s going on with this one. 
Appreciate any advice. Thanks in advance. 

[Jewelleryrescue]

Hi @wendyb_9 

A funny thing  the  ants are farming the aphids and the aphids give of  sort of  honey dew the ants  eat.

You  plant is in a  pot try moving it away from ants  nest?

Or plan B  try Add 2 parts water to 1 part dish detergent and spray directly onto aphids. 

The  spots are  probably fungal  spots so consider using as it is  save on  friut etc.

Yates 200ml Liquid Copper Fungicide  I/N: 3010236    $21^.54

[JacobZ]

Hi @wendyb_9,

A warm welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community and thank you for your question.

The advice @Jewelleryrescue has given is sound and worth a shot.

Allow me to tag @Noelle and @mich1972 to see if they have any thoughts.

Jacob

[wendyb_9]

Thanks so much for the info - interesting about the aphids and ants! I’ve treated the nest so hopefully they’ll give up soon and I will try the soapy mix.
I have copper oxy, can I use that or should I get the one you’ve mentioned?

thanks again

[wendyb_9]

Thank you for the welcome Jacob, it’s nice to meet you and I definately appreciate the advice. 
Have a good week

[JacobZ]

Hi @wendyb_9,

My suggestion is to wipe the leaves with a damp cloth to remove anything that is potentially fungal and make sure the leaves are not consistently wet.

Monitor the plant to see if anything resembling fungus grows, but right now, I wouldn't worry about applying a fungicide, I'd focus more on managing the insects.

Let me know if you have any further questions.

Jacob

[wendyb_9]

Thanks Jacob, will do.