What's eating my new york aster?

New York aster is a reliable autumn bloomer that attracts aphids, lace bugs, and leafhoppers throughout the growing season. Deer and rabbits are a common problem across much of its US range. Aster yellows disease, spread by leafhoppers, is the most damaging systemic threat and has no cure.

Soft colonies on new growth and buds; honeydew, sooty mold, and distorted flower stalks Water spray or insecticidal soap; companion-plant with dill or fennel to attract predators

Silvery stippling across upper leaf surface; underside shows dark, sticky specks; premature leaf drop Target undersides with neem oil or insecticidal soap; avoid overhead watering to reduce stress

Pale streaks and stippling on leaves; plants infected with aster yellows develop distorted, greenish flowers Row cover early season; remove and destroy infected plants immediately; no chemical cure for the phytoplasma

Stems and foliage browsed to stubs; worst in late summer as flower buds develop Deer fencing; repellent sprays; interplant with strongly scented herbs