What's eating my goldings hops?

East Kent Goldings, the classic English aroma hop, faces hop aphids as its most consistent pest, along with two-spotted spider mites in summer. Goldings can be susceptible to hop mosaic virus spread by aphids, so early aphid control is especially important. Rabbits browse young bines in early spring. UK growers also watch for hop flea beetle damage at emergence.

Pale green clusters on growing tips and cone bracts; honeydew fouls cones; vector of hop mosaic virus which can permanently reduce yields. Introduce parasitic wasps early; apply insecticidal soap at first colony detection; use reflective mulch around crowns to confuse winged aphids; remove virus-symptomatic plants promptly.

Stippled, bronzing foliage and webbing on leaf undersides during warm dry summers; severe outbreaks cause premature leaf drop. Maintain soil moisture and overhead spray to deter mites; apply predatory mites (Phytoseiulus persimilis) from early summer; use miticide if predators cannot keep pace.

Round holes punched in young leaves at bine emergence in spring, stunting early growth. Cover emerging bines with fleece; apply kaolin clay; cultivate crown area in autumn to reduce overwintering beetle numbers.

Young bines stripped or severed at ground level in late winter and early spring before the plant is established. Place wire mesh cylinders around the crown from late winter; remove once bines are training well onto support wires.