Spinach Pests And Diseases

Spinach can have a number of problems with pests and diseases although they are a hardy plant and quite quick growing which does help reduce any attack.

Caterpillars and butterflies can eat their way through the leaves and the only ways to get rid of these is to pick the caterpillars off the leaves and remove them regularly. To protect from the butterflies it would be necessary to cover them in mesh.

Leafminers will drill into the leaves and drink the sap and lay their eggs on the leaves, the larvae then feed on the leaves and will make them useless. Remove the leaves and destroy them. Covering the plants with a mesh can help stop the flies getting in to lay the eggs but the flies overwinter in the soil and the total problem may not be cured but it will be reduced.

Downey mildew is a fungal attack which leaves a white downy covering under the leaves and discolours the top. Remove and destroy the leaves. The problem is best solved by using a resistant seed strain.

Slugs and snails are attracted to the plants and they can be a problem as they will eat through the crop. Place traps near them and keep them in good order. Pick up any slugs and snails that are visible and remove them.

Wilting - Some plants get damp and wilt when small mainly through watering so the cure is to keep the plants less wet.

Keep a good control with regular inspection. For more information then learn How To Grow Spinach

By Richard Allen -