Pest identification
What's eating my jerusalem artichoke?
Aphids
Signs: Colonies on stems and leaf undersides; honeydew and sooty mold; heavy infestation causes wilting on young growth
Control: Strong water jets to dislodge; insecticidal soap spray; plant is rarely severely impacted at harvest level
Slugs and snails
Signs: Surface tunnels gnawed into stored or developing tubers; cosmetic but can allow rot to enter
Control: Apply iron phosphate pellets at planting and after rain; lift tubers by first frosts in UK to avoid overwintering slug damage
Deer
Signs: Tall stems browsed and stripped bare; shoots eaten back in autumn when other food is scarce
Control: Fence garden perimeter with 1.8m (6 ft) deer netting; apply repellent spray; the vigorous plant often regrows
Keep jerusalem artichoke pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
- What eats jerusalem artichoke — the species this cultivar belongs to
- What eats jerusalem artichoke — our other guide for the same plant
- What's wrong with my plant? — the diagnosis apps compared
- Common jerusalem artichoke problems & fixes
- Jerusalem Artichoke watering schedule
- Jerusalem Artichoke light requirements
- Full jerusalem artichoke care guide
Jerusalem Artichoke pests — FAQ
What is eating my jerusalem artichoke?
Jerusalem artichoke is one of the toughest vegetables to pest-damage — its vigour compensates for most attacks. Slugs eat tubers in wet soil, and leaf-spot-causing insects including aphids can colonise foliage. Squirrels and deer browse the tall stems. Sclerotinia stem rot causes collapse but is a disease, not a pest.
How do I get rid of aphids on jerusalem artichoke?
Colonies on stems and leaf undersides; honeydew and sooty mold; heavy infestation causes wilting on young growth Strong water jets to dislodge; insecticidal soap spray; plant is rarely severely impacted at harvest level
How do I get rid of slugs and snails on jerusalem artichoke?
Surface tunnels gnawed into stored or developing tubers; cosmetic but can allow rot to enter Apply iron phosphate pellets at planting and after rain; lift tubers by first frosts in UK to avoid overwintering slug damage
How do I get rid of deer on jerusalem artichoke?
Tall stems browsed and stripped bare; shoots eaten back in autumn when other food is scarce Fence garden perimeter with 1.8m (6 ft) deer netting; apply repellent spray; the vigorous plant often regrows