What's eating my solanum laxum?

Potato vine (Solanum laxum) shares pest vulnerabilities with other Solanaceae. Aphids and whitefly are the most frequent attackers, particularly in warm sheltered spots. Spider mites flare in dry heat. Being in the potato family, it can also attract flea beetles that pepper leaves with tiny holes, and caterpillars may feed on foliage.

Dense white clouds rise when foliage is disturbed; nymphs on leaf undersides cause yellowing, honeydew, and sooty mould Use yellow sticky traps; spray undersides thoroughly with insecticidal soap; introduce Encarsia formosa parasitoid under glass; avoid excess nitrogen feeding

Colonies on shoot tips and flower buds cause stunted, curled new growth; honeydew deposits promote sooty mould Blast off with water; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil; encourage ladybirds, lacewings, and parasitic wasps as natural controls

Pale speckling and fine webbing on leaf undersides; leaves yellow and drop in hot dry conditions, especially against a warm wall Mist foliage and increase irrigation; spray with water forcefully; apply neem oil or a registered miticide if infestation is heavy

Small round shot-holes scattered across leaves, especially on younger foliage; heavy attack weakens growth and reduces flowering Cover young plants with fine insect mesh; apply kaolin clay as a deterrent; encourage ground beetles; use a pyrethrin-based spray in severe cases