What's eating my petunia 'tidal wave silver'?

Petunia 'Tidal Wave Silver' is a spreading, hedge-forming petunia used in beds and large containers. Tobacco budworm is the most damaging pest in North America, destroying buds before they open. Aphids and whitefly are recurring problems on soft growth. Slugs may damage young transplants in wet conditions.

Larvae bore into unopened flower buds, causing a sudden halt in flowering with visible holes and dark droppings in buds Spray Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) in the evening; apply spinosad at first signs of bud damage; remove and destroy affected buds

Colonies on tender new growth and along stems cause shoot distortion and honeydew buildup Remove with a strong water jet; apply insecticidal soap; encourage natural predators

Sap-sucking nymphs on leaf undersides cause yellowing; adults form visible white clouds when disturbed Hang yellow sticky traps; spray neem oil or insecticidal soap on leaf undersides; maintain good air circulation

Stems and leaves eaten at soil level, most damaging to newly planted transplants in cool, damp weather Use iron phosphate bait around the base; water early in the day; copper tape on container rims