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Is this a Pest problem
- Thread starter EL1M1N80R
- Start date
Probably. Use a USB microscope, really zoomed in on bottom of leaves. They are usually impossible to see with magnifying glass. I would guess thrips, if you do not see large caterpillars.
EL1M1N80R
Member
It seems to be happening during the dark period.
Anything I can do to get rid of them?
Cheers
When I had missing parts of leaves i had both thrips and russet mites (closest I could guess, there are numerous microscopic pests) -
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i08Z5x4c-_I
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fPjYjwBiJng
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i08Z5x4c-_I
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fPjYjwBiJng
It is best to identify the problem first. Almost all USB microscopes can take pictures. With those holes, I would think caterpillar, which should be easy to find, and large. Search around the damaged leaves. How wide spread is problem?
EL1M1N80R
Member
Any brand of USB microscope to recommend, value for money wise. Or any brand to avoid?
Cheers
If you are in rush, get one locally. Staples should have one. Look for highest resolution, and ability to take pictures. Just do not lose the software for it. I have thrown out a few chinese ones over 10 years, for not having the proper software. Should be able to get for under $20 on e-bay, shipped, but I would lose sleep, especially depending on size of grow.
Since you said cheers, probably in UK, but this is one of first I found on ebay -
http://www.ebay.com/itm/2MP-1000X-8-LED-USB-Digital-Microscope-Endoscope-Zoom-Camera-Magnifier-Stand-/391444129697?hash=item5b23e367a1:g:3IEAAOSwaZdXIa9G
EL1M1N80R
Member
For the size of the damage done I am thinking it is too big for mites.
I have a magnifying glass with a 45x LED scope. I can't see anything unusual.
Only 2 leaves have the holes in them. The are located quite a bit from each other.
Attachments
EL1M1N80R
Member
I had a look online at ones a while ago, when I was researching Havervest time.
It is definitely something I will invest in, now sooner rather than later. Just don't want to invest in one that is a waste of money, as opposed to a cheap one that is good value.
Thanks again.
Douglas.Curtis
Autistic Diplomat in Training
I could very well be wrong, but that looks more like pH issues than a bug problem. If it's a bug, I'd suspect something in the root zone, not on the leaf itself, by the look of it.
Douglas.Curtis
Autistic Diplomat in Training
A pH issue occurring when the leaf is newly formed can lead to a hole in the leaf as the rest of the leaf grows larger. The damaged portion of the leaf will tend to tear or create a hole as the growth happens around it. 
A pH issue occurring when the leaf is newly formed can lead to a hole in the leaf as the rest of the leaf grows larger. The damaged portion of the leaf will tend to tear or create a hole as the growth happens around it.
That could be it, since I have never had issues with PH. I grow hydro or coco. With coco a runoff test will give a good idea of root zone PH. Not sure how to test soil, but maybe slurry.
What are you growing in?
EL1M1N80R
Member
What kinda bugs are down in the root zone?
EL1M1N80R
Member
I am in hydroton Ebb and Flow.
I did have a slight PH drift to begin with, after sorting out a masive headache with the hydroton.
I lowered the PH last night to 5.7 and 20 minutes ago it is still at 5.7, so much more stable now.
EL1M1N80R
Member
I went back and noticed the hydroton. 5.7 is a little low, but 5.5 and less is where people have problems. I would shoot for 6.0 for hydro.
How confident are you with your PH meter? It should be calibrated with both 7 and 4 PH test solution. I did it with only 7 with a cheap pen, and kept adjusting it. The batteries were dying giving false reading, requiring adjustment. Ever since have done at 4 and 7 and that can not happen. I do not know of parasites that live in hydroton root zone. Plenty in dirt and coco.
How confident are you with your PH meter? It should be calibrated with both 7 and 4 PH test solution. I did it with only 7 with a cheap pen, and kept adjusting it. The batteries were dying giving false reading, requiring adjustment. Ever since have done at 4 and 7 and that can not happen. I do not know of parasites that live in hydroton root zone. Plenty in dirt and coco.
I know thrips and fungus gnats breed in root zone. Thrips climb up stem to feed on leaves after hatching.
EL1M1N80R
Member
I usually aim for 5.8 but there was a slight dirft with the PH initially and I would aim for low to drift high. I am in to week 3 with much more PH stability.
I calibrate the pen regularly with no issue. The 7 and the 4 solution.
I actually bought a TDC and PH pen bundle in the begining. It was cheap and the PH was completely fvcked. Random ass readings from the pen and a user with no PH pen experience was a recipe for disaster. That gave me a huuuuge problem with seedlings. I forked out £30 for a half decent pen off Amazon with no bother.
My Res temps are slighty high at about 21C, and I have Shogun Silicon in for protecion from root rot.
I'll have a look at the roots. I was under the impression RR is less common in E&F because the roots get oxygen in the drain phase.
The plants look bright eyed and bushy tailed all the tops are perked up like a Polar bears nipples which makes me think it's not RR.
If it is a bug I suspect a big bug, like a caterpillar or something else doing the damage.
