Any idea what’s eating my passionfruit?

[chupacabra772]

My passionfruit it unhealthy, something seems to be eating it and is stunting the growth. I applied a natural neem oil pesticide to it a few days ago and that got rid of some of the ants on it that were there previously. But something seems to be munching the vines right off. Caterpillar or slug? I’m in Baja California Sur, Mexico. 

[Silas_Sancona]

1 hour ago, chupacabra772 said:

My passionfruit it unhealthy, something seems to be eating it and is stunting the growth. I applied a natural neem oil pesticide to it a few days ago and that got rid of some of the ants on it that were there previously. But something seems to be munching the vines right off. Caterpillar or slug? I’m in Baja California Sur, Mexico. 

Possible munchers include : various butterflies .. Longwings / Heliconians .. Gulf Fritillary / Mex. Silverspot ( when present there )  Grasshoppers / Katydids, and slugs / snails ..though i'd imagine you'd be seeing slime trails on the leaves / branches..

Some of the leaves showing yellow spots may be the after effects of sunburn..

Edited November 11, 2021 by Silas_Sancona
edit

[chupacabra772]

Thanks @Silas_Sancona, appreciate it. I’ll try and feed and continue treating with organic pesticides. I’ve made a chili garlic spray that I’ll apply this evening. Very frustrating!

[Silas_Sancona]

27 minutes ago, chupacabra772 said:

Thanks @Silas_Sancona, appreciate it. I’ll try and feed and continue treating with organic pesticides. I’ve made a chili garlic spray that I’ll apply this evening. Very frustrating!

Unless they're stripping it to the stems, Caterpillars usually aren't too bad when present.. Would think feeding activity ( from them, if they're the culprit ) should be winding down for the year down there too, but maybe not? ..since i'd imagine it is still warm there atm. Anyway..

If the home made stuff isn't as effective as desired, might consider finding something like Thuricide .. often sold at BT  for any Caterpillars.. Will only kill them and nothing else.. A product called " Captain Jack's Dead Bug Brew " ( also organic ) is supposed to help w/ grasshoppers / other non - caterpillar leaf chewers. Would be careful not to spray on or right net to any flowers / buds though.. or when bees are active.

[chupacabra772]

On 11/12/2021 at 7:46 AM, Silas_Sancona said:

Unless they're stripping it to the stems, Caterpillars usually aren't too bad when present.. Would think feeding activity ( from them, if they're the culprit ) should be winding down for the year down there too, but maybe not? ..since i'd imagine it is still warm there atm. Anyway..

If the home made stuff isn't as effective as desired, might consider finding something like Thuricide .. often sold at BT  for any Caterpillars.. Will only kill them and nothing else.. A product called " Captain Jack's Dead Bug Brew " ( also organic ) is supposed to help w/ grasshoppers / other non - caterpillar leaf chewers. Would be careful not to spray on or right net to any flowers / buds though.. or when bees are active.

Thanks @Silas_Sancona. I actually haven’t spotted  any caterpillars down here on my passionfruit, so im not sure that’s the culprit. Just today I noticed little spots on the leaves that looked like they’d been poked with a needle. See attached photos. Pretty odd.

[chupacabra772]

After some research it looks like it might have brown leaf spot disease caused by a fungus. Something is also munching it, but I don't think that's the primary problem. Does anyone have an organic or DIY fungicide they'd recommend using in this type of case?

I've heard of 1 gal water + 1 T baking soda + 2.5 T veggie oil + .5 t of castille soap, but curious to hear what others may suggest?

[Silas_Sancona]

1 hour ago, chupacabra772 said:

After some research it looks like it might have brown leaf spot disease caused by a fungus. Something is also munching it, but I don't think that's the primary problem. Does anyone have an organic or DIY fungicide they'd recommend using in this type of case?

I've heard of 1 gal water + 1 T baking soda + 2.5 T veggie oil + .5 t of castille soap, but curious to hear what others may suggest?

That could work, though some sources say Baking Soda can burn leaves. I'm always leery of applying any soaps, though i know some won't hurt roots/ other plant parts.  

Applying Sulfur or Copper can help, but only keeps spores from germinating ( for fungal leaf spots ..Some are caused by Bacteria as well )

If able to purchase where you are located, there is a product called SERANADE that is supposedly good for controlling a range of bacterial and fungal issues. Is listed as Organic, and won't hurt pollinators / Bees. Is a patented strain of Bacillus ( B. subtilis  specifically )

Might boost your Potassium ( K ) application, vs. the other two macro nutrients ( N and Phos. ) this coming spring as well.. Might help the plant resist the effects of any fungal ( or bacterial ) issues.. Will definitely help with both flower / fruit production. Really good for any Plumeria and Hibiscus you might also be growing as well.