Calling all Melaleuca Growers

[Jester]

Guys, I would like to know, is the Melaleuca Sawfly ever a problem for your trees? If so, how do you treat it?

Thanks

John

[Ash]

G'Day Jester,
I have not ever had Melaleuca sawfly on any of a broad number of Melaleuca grown as bonsai or in the garden. Have you got an infestation of sawflies on a bonsai?
I have had leaf eating beetle larvae on Melaleuca which do a similar thing to sawfly or butterfly larvae. I eradicated them with a general anticholinesterase type insecticide and bagged the tree to prevent overspray. I would let a sprayed or dunked tree dry in the shade.
Ash

[Pup]

I have never experienced this either. The biggest problem I have is a leaf curl mite. Which I treat with a systemic insecticide.

The non chemical solution is to cut off affected branches, bit drastic for Bonsai.
The chemical way is to spray them with Maldison and the area arround them.

I hope this of help. Pup

[Jester]

Thanks Pup and Ash. No I don't have any such pest on my Bonsai, but it is something I am studying at the moment.