What's eating my common purslane?

Common purslane (Portulaca oleracea) grown as an edible crop faces aphids on tender stems, flea beetles that pepper leaves with tiny holes, and caterpillars of various moth species. Slugs can damage seedlings. Because it is eaten, only food-safe organic controls should be used on the edible parts.

Numerous tiny, round shot-holes across leaves; seedlings can be defoliated quickly. Cover plants with fine insect mesh; apply diatomaceous earth around the base; delay planting until plants are established.

Colonies on shoot tips; sticky honeydew residue; distorted young leaves. Spray with diluted insecticidal soap; introduce or encourage aphid predators such as ladybird beetles.

Scalloped or ragged holes in leaves; entire stems severed at soil level by cutworms overnight. Hand-pick; use Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) spray; place cardboard collars around stem bases to block cutworms.

Irregular holes and shredded young leaves; silvery slime trails on soil and leaves. Trap under boards at night; use iron phosphate pellets; remove plant debris that provides daytime hiding spots.