Tiny black dots on my Swiss chard?

Discussion in 'Plant Pests, Diseases and Weeds' started by DogThumbs, Oct 16, 2018.

  1. DogThumbs

    DogThumbs New Seed

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    I noticed some little black specks on my Swiss chard yesterday. Today I took a closer look and can see some damage, and lots of little black things that look about the size of mustard seeds.

    I did some cursory googling but nothing came up to match it.

    The black specks did not move when I blew on them or touched them.

    What could this be? How do I stop it from hurting my chard?
     

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  3. Sjoerd

    Sjoerd Mighty Oak

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    It looks like caterpillar poop to me.
    I would thoroughly investigate your chard, looking on stems, undersides of the leaves and unroll any curled leaves.
    Good luck with this. Keep us posted please.
     
  4. DogThumbs

    DogThumbs New Seed

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    Thank you so much! It was indeed from caterpillars! I've included a picture of the tiny criminals.

    I removed six of them from the plant. Should I remove the poop or just leave it and let it fall off on its own?
     

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  5. Gail-Steman

    Gail-Steman Young Pine

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    Very nice I must say sjoerd :smt101
     



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  6. Sjoerd

    Sjoerd Mighty Oak

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    Hey DT,
    You can just leave them, but I am such a neuro personally, that I would just wrince(sp) them off with water. It is because I eat Swiss chard, and it is just the idea of it all. hahaha.
    The main thing is that you have taken measures.
    Well done you.\p.s. Thanks for the follow-up foto.
     
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  7. DogThumbs

    DogThumbs New Seed

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    These leaves are chewed up to heck, so I think I'll just leave it for now since I won't be eating them. I did do a once-over on the chard again today and found another caterpillar! I'll be checking it every day for a bit to see if there are any more.
     
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  8. Sjoerd

    Sjoerd Mighty Oak

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    Sounds good DT. I hope that those beasts don't ruin your winter crop.
    Bonne chance.
     
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  9. DogThumbs

    DogThumbs New Seed

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    I found another one today way down in the stalk! It was trying to hide, but I got it.

    There is now less poop, probably getting knocked off by this rain!
     
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