HOW TO CONTROL CUCKOO SPIT ON LAVENDER

How to control cuckoo spit on lavender


Lavender plants are known for being tough, reliable and able to thrive in both poor soils and on neglect. However there is one affliction they seem to suffer from every year like clockwork. From May to July, the unsightly bubble nests of the froghopper nymphs appear, more commonly known as cuckoo spit.

Froghopper nymphs
Cuckoo spit is a white frothy liquid secreted by the nymphs to protect themselves against predators and to prevent their soft bodies from drying out in warm, dry weather.

Under the protection of the cuckoo spit, the nymph will feed on the soft plant tissues at the shoot tip. Damaged caused by froghopper nymphs feeding can cause the new growth to become distorted, however as this is replaced the natural look of the plant will reappear.

While you can control froghopper nymphs with systemic insecticides it isn't really necessary. As the bubble nests are conspicuous against the lavenders foliage, it is easy to identify where each nymph is hiding and can be dealt with in a more organic fashion.

Adult froghopper
If there are only a few they can be wiped off by hand. The nymphs will quickly perish without the protection of their bubble nest. Alternatively, they can be dislodged from your lavender plant with a jet of water from a garden hose.

The adult froghopper, which in the United Kingdom is likely to be the meadow froghopper - Philaenus spumarius, which also feeds on plant sap using specialised, sucking mouthparts

For related articles click onto the following links:
HOW TO CONTROL CUCKOO SPIT ON LAVENDER
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HOW TO GROW LAVENDER FROM SEED
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