What's eating my anise?

Anise (Pimpinella anisum) is vulnerable to aphids on its umbrella-shaped flowerheads, carrot fly maggots attacking the taproot, and caterpillars of swallowtail butterflies that feed on Apiaceae foliage. As a short-season annual herb, aphid pressure and root fly damage are the most economically important threats during the growing season.

Dense colonies congregate on flower umbels and stem tips, distorting developing seed heads; honeydew promotes mould and can ruin the seed harvest Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil targeting the umbels. Grow companion plants such as marigolds to attract aphid predators. Pinch out heavily infested umbels before seed set if infestation is severe.

Creamy-yellow maggots tunnel through the taproot; foliage turns reddish and wilts; damage is invisible until the root is dug Sow after late May to miss the first egg-laying flush. Erect a 60 cm (2 ft) fleece or fine mesh barrier around the crop — adult flies are low-flying. Rotate anise away from Apiaceae beds each year.

Green caterpillars with black and yellow markings strip leaflets and stems; a single caterpillar can defoliate a small plant quickly Handpick caterpillars — they are charismatic and best relocated to wild carrot or fennel. Apply Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) spray for large infestations. Consider leaving some on plant to support pollinators.