Tag

Gardeners

All articles tagged with #gardeners

environment2 years ago

Foamy substance on plants raises concerns, say scientists.

Scientists have issued a warning to gardeners to be on the lookout for a foamy substance called spittle, which is produced by an insect called the spittlebug. The spittlebugs could be a carrier for a deadly plant disease called Xyella, which has the potential to wipe out plant species that are native to the UK. Gardeners are being encouraged to report any sightings of the spittlebugs to help track and prevent outbreaks of the disease.

environment2 years ago

Understanding and Reporting White Foam on Plants

Experts have warned gardeners not to touch the white foam, known as 'cuckoo spit', produced by the Spittlebug, as it could spread a plant disease called Xyella that would destroy plants within a 100m radius. Scientists have asked people to report any sightings of the bug or the froth it leaves to track what causes it. However, the insects feed on the plants but don't harm them or humans, so gardeners don't need to remove the spittle or the bug.