What's eating my chinese artichoke?

Chinese Artichoke (Stachys affinis) is generally pest-resistant, but slugs and snails are the main threat, gnawing young shoots and surface tubers. Aphids may attack soft new growth. Root maggots can occasionally damage tubers. A clean, well-drained bed minimises most problems.

Ragged notches on emerging shoots and near-surface tubers; slime trails evident; damage worst in wet springs when tubers are planted. Iron phosphate pellets; diatomaceous earth around crowns; copper tape barriers; remove sheltering debris; beer traps.

Small colonies on new shoot tips; leaf curl and honeydew; rarely severe but can check growth of young plants. Water-jet knockdown; insecticidal soap spray; plant companion umbellifers or marigolds to attract predators.

Larvae tunnel into tubers, creating entry points for rot organisms; affected plants wilt unexpectedly in mid-season. Crop rotation of at least 3 years; fine mesh row covers; beneficial nematodes (Steinernema feltiae) watered in during spring.