Thanks for your question about your Solanum pepino. From the symptoms you have described I
think I can narrow the problem you have down to a couple of possibilities. Let me know if any of the following details ring any bells.
Virus
I think the problem could be a virus. If that is the case, pale yellow or pale green blotches will form on the leaves before they fall off. Viruses can be transmitted by sap sucking insects, like aphids or carried on gardening tools such as a pair of secateurs. It is quite possible that the virus could have been present when you actually purchased the plant. If it is a virus there is very little you can do apart from throw the plant away, preventing it from infecting other plants.
Red Spider Mite
These minute spider like glasshouse pests cause the infected plant to develop tiny, yellow blotches speckled all over the leaves. As the infestation intensifies, the leaves will drop off. Red spider mite love warm, dry conditions. It is therefore important to spray the tops and undersides of the foliage daily with a fine water mist and stand the plant on some constantly moist pebbles, keeping the air around the plant humid. Another tale-tale sign might be the presence of fine, silk spiders webs on the plant. If you think it is Red spider mite you could also visit a garden centre and ask if they stock any pesticides that Red spider mite is not resistant to. (Unfortunately this pest has developed resistant to most pesticides).
I hope that this is of some help,
Regards, George.Statistics: Posted by gardening_guru — 02 May 2006 20:46
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