What Is Wrong With My Goji Berries?

Are there any small, dark spots on flowers that may coalesce to cover entire panicle; dark, irregular, sunken lesions are present on fruit?

Are the leaves covered with white powder?

Are there any small, yellow-brown spots with a yellow or green halo which first appear on the oldest leaves?

Are the leaves curled and distorted?

Do the leaves and flowers have holes?

Are the leaves distorted, yellowed, and stippled?

Are the leaves discolored and distorted?

These symptoms indicate a fungal disease - Anthracnose. The primary method of controlling the disease is to plant resistant cultivars. Both systemic and non-systemic fungicides are effective at controlling the disease and are usually applied shortly before flowering and during fruit development.

White, powdery patches on the leaves are caused by a fungal disease Powdery mildew. Powdery mildew usually appears in damp places. Encourage good air circulation around the affected plants by thining them and any surrounding plants. Avoid wetting the foliage when watering. Any affected leaves should be cut off and removed. A fungicidal spray may be necessary to protect your plant from further infections.

Alternaria leaf blight is caused by a fungus that spreads primarily by planting an infected seed. Plant only pathogen-free seed from a reputable nursery. Apply copper-based foliar fungicide if the disease emerges. Rotate crops to non-umbelliferous varieties for 2-4 years.

Distorted and curled leaves are caused by aphids. These tiny insects cluster under leaves and on growing tips where they feed on plant sap. Leaves, stems, and buds get distorted and later leaves and flowers drop from the plant. You can control them by washing them off the plant with water spray. Insecticidal soap should be used with severe infestations.

Holes in leaves and flowers are caused by Japanese beetles, pests that can seriously damage foliage. Adults of these insects devour leaves, stalks, and flowers of nearly 300 plant species. Their larvae feed on the roots of the plants. Handpick adult beetles into a can of soapy water but make sure to wear gloves as Japanese beetles are blister beetles. Apply parasitic nematodes to the soil to limit beetle grub populations. Use pyrethrin powder or neem oil as a last resort.

Leaves stippled with yellow are caused by mites. These tiny, spider-like pests feed by sucking sap from the underside of the plants leaves causing yellow flecking on the upper leaf surfaces. You can control spider mites by spraying plants thoroughly with water 2-3 times a day for several days. For severe infestations, spray plants with insecticidal soap.

Discolored and distorted leaves are caused by leafhoppers. These small, green or brown insects feed by sucking juices from leaves undersides. Leafhoppers may be the carriers of the Mosaic virus, so it is important to keep them in control. Insecticidal soap helps with severe infestations.

If the leaves are covered in coarse stippling and may appear silvery the culprits are thrips. Thrips are tiny, yellow to black flying insects. They hide under the leaves. Severely infected plant parts should be removed and destroyed. Control thrips by introducing lady beetles or lacewings, their natural predators. Insecticidal soap helps in severe infestations.