How to Prevent Morning Glory Bugs on Folded Leaves

The Main Culprit: Aphids

• Aphids are tiny pear-shaped insects that cluster on plants, especially near growing tips. They grow to only 1/32 to 1/8 of an inch but can do a great deal of damage by sucking the plant's sap, resulting in stunted and distorted leaves, buds and flowers. Leaves may even fold or curl. Leaves and flowers that are severely infested may drop off the plant. Sometimes aphids even transmit viruses while feeding on the sap. Besides sucking sap, aphids leave a trail of a sticky substance called honeydew that can grow black sooty mold. Nymphs of the species look much like the adults, except for the absence of wings. Aphids come in a variety of colors including green, pink, yellow, brown and black.

Preventing Aphids on Morning Glories

• Keeping your morning glory healthy and adequately weeded is the first line of defense against aphid infestations. Morning glories require full sun and a well-draining soil. Keeping the weeds away is important because weeds can harbor a number of pests, including aphids. When planting, space morning glory plants about 3 feet apart, allowing for better air circulation and healthier plants. Avoid overwatering anytime but especially in winter. Morning glories should receive approximately 1 inch of water per week. Shear the plants to the ground if they get straggly. Introduce natural aphid predators such as lacewings, aphid midges or parasitic wasps that can keep the aphid population from becoming a problem.

Controlling Aphids

• If you end up with an aphid infestation, there are things you can do to control them. The easiest thing to do is wash the bugs off the plant with a strong spray of water. Otherwise, neem oil and insecticidal soap are both effective against aphids, as are mixtures containing citronella oil. Citronella oil makes an excellent repellent. Combine 5 drops of citronella oil with 1 gallon of soapy water made with natural, biodegradable soap. Spray directly on the aphids. Use therapeutic-grade oil only. For stronger aphid control, you may use the pesticides pyrethrins or rotenone.

The Second Suspect: Spider Mites

• The other main pest that can create problems for morning glories is the tiny spider mite. Spider mites also suck juice from plants but do so from cells on the underside of leaves. They are called spider mites because of the fine webbing they leave behind as they feed and move about. Their sucking eventually weakens the plant and the leaves drop. The first sign of an infestation (besides webbing on the leaves) is the presence of yellow speckled areas on the leaves. For minor infestations, strong water spray and insecticidal soap should suffice. Otherwise, introducing predatory mites and beetles can be effective.