Discover how to identify, prevent, and control potato and tomato psyllids with a combination of organic and systemic approaches.
Benefits of Prevention:
By tackling psyllids early, you can ensure healthier plants, improved fruit quality, and a more productive garden season. Prevention is key to minimising damage and avoiding the need to destroy infected plants.
Habitat
Psyllids thrive in warm, sunny conditions. Inspect tomato and potato plants regularly, focusing on the undersides of leaves where psyllids lay their eggs.
Prevention
Garden: Incorporate Neem granules into the soil at planting, repeating every 4–6 weeks to deter psyllids and other pests.
Pots: Mix Neem granules into the potting mix to create a pest-resistant environment.
Soil Health
Healthy plants are more resilient to pests. Ensure your tomatoes and potatoes receive balanced nutrients throughout the season.
Watering & Mulching
Maintain consistent watering to reduce plant stress and apply mulch to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.
Protection
- Inspect plants regularly for yellow clusters of eggs or lime-green nymphs on leaf undersides.
- Begin a preventive spray programme early in the season and continue every two weeks. Alternate between systemic sprays like Success or Mavrik or and organic options like spraying oils to smother nymphs.
Garden Expert Tip
Always spray the undersides of leaves thoroughly for maximum effectiveness. For organic gardeners, Neem-based products and spraying oils are excellent choices to deter psyllids without harming beneficial insects. Preventative measures are your best defence—don’t wait for symptoms to appear!
Take action early, and you’ll enjoy a season of thriving potato and tomato crops, free from the devastation of psyllid infestations.
