Fig tree leaf curl after using Pyrethrum spray (forum)

Chris2122 starts with ...
Hi all,
I had an issue with white leafhoppers on my brown fig tree. Went to my local Bunnings and was told to use pyrethrum spray to get rid of them. I used the Yates brand concentrate and mixed it with the suggested 20ml to every 1 litre of water. The pesticide defiantly got rid of the leafhoppers but it also caused damage to my tree. The leaves are curling down, have become dry and brittle, and have the veins on the underside a dark colour. You can see one of the pictures shoes half the leaf I’d lumpy and dead while the other side is normal. Can anyone tell me what I did wrong and how I can help my poor tree?

Pictures - Click to enlarge

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Time: 9th October 2021 7:21pm

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About the Author Chris2122
EASTWOOD,2122,NSW
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David01 says...
Hi Chris2122,

Looks like you got Whitefly problem as they feed on the undersides of plant leaves. I don't use pesticide but spay the hot water around 55C to 60C to the underside leaf in the afternoon. All the insects including Mites, Aphids, snails etc. get kill or eliminate. Most hot tap water set around that temperature if you don't have thermometer. Cheers

Time: 12th October 2021 11:05am

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About the Author David01
CRAIGIEBURN,3064,VIC
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henryarts says...
It is possible that the preparation has burned the leaves, which is not a big problem for the plant. It may be a coincidence, but these are the symptoms of excessive nitrogen fertilization.
The concentration of the preparation you are working with is quite low. The insecticides I work with are usually diluted 6-8 ml. of the preparation per 10 liters of water.
When spraying the leaves in strong sunlight, the leaves burn regardless of the concentration of the preparation. They burn from the light refracted through the drops.
And is it possible that you used the sprayer to spray an herbicide (like Roundup) and did not rinse it enough before using it to spray the pyrethrum mix?


Time: 29th April 2022 2:12pm

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About the Author henryarts
San Francisco 94108 CA US
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