Thanks for the input guys and gals. I spent the day at the beach so I was away from my computer and the phone stays in the car. Plus I'm a firm believer in no web/text while driving so finally home and here we go.
1. CULPRIT
I'm glad we ID'd them, but kind of bummed they require napalm to eradicate.
2. OTHER PLAYERS
I had a pretty decent ecosystem going for a while, with everyone in balance. Spidermites moved in and I responded with DE/Neem. Irreversible disruption and now these guys are everywhere, I'd guesstimate about a 5-fold increase in numbers.
I've also seen aphids and thrips, but in much lesser numbers.
3. WHERE IT HAPPENS
Their movements are restricted to the new growth.
4. CONSEQUENCES
Trusses form, but w/o a single blossom. They have a yellow band right around the bend and dry/fall off.
5. TREATMENT
I have access to a bunch of poisons. Here's the list of available liver exercises:
- Diazinon 25
- Carbaryl
- Cypermethrin 20
- Deltamethrin 20
- Chlorpyrifos
- Triazicide
- Malathion
Any thoughts?
6. GLASS HALF-FULL
They were pretty big trusses, even in the face of the insect pressure.
Some plants seem to take their presence in stride. Here's a Brad's Black Heart two weeks ago:
brads plant tv.jpg
And here it is this morning:
brads heartPLANT.tv.jpg
And these are on the way.
brads heart TV2222.jpg
Cool nipple.
brads heart 2.tv.jpg
7. RE: Stanley Kirk Burrel
You should have seen the bee's moves, would have put Mr. Burrel to shame.
Here's another shot of the pants.
happy bee 2.jpg
8. DEAD BUG WALKING
death warrant 1.TV.jpg
death warrant 2.TV.jpg
PS All (except the 1st pic of #6 glass half full) taken with a Canon PowerShot A4000 from a few years back. My dogs have chewed on it (tooth marks on the back LCD and most of the front casing) and it's been dropped more times than I can count. Tough little camera. I keep using it because it still does the job and I know no one will steal it. Recommend highly.