Despite warmer weather over the past two weeks, it still appears that lavender bloom is behind schedule. Normally, the first blooms on the earliest cultivars begin to open in Simcoe around June 15-18. This year, bud heads are just beginning to change colour, suggesting bloom will not begin until around June 20-25.
Pests and Scouting
Four-lined plant bugs are at the late nymphal stages and will soon become adults. This is the stage when they cause the most damage to leaves and stems. It is too late at this stage to control them. Take note of where levels of damage are high, because these areas are likely to have similar or higher damage next year. Insecticidal soaps can help suppress populations, but only if applied when the nymphs are still small. Damage appears as distinct brown spotting on leaves, and blocky, elongated brown or yellow lesions on stems. For symptoms and more information on this pest, visit the lavender module of Ontario CropIPM.
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