What's eating my ugni?

Ugni (Chilean guava) is notably resistant to most serious pests and deer generally avoid it. Aphids and scale insects occasionally attack new growth, and birds keenly eat the ripe berries. Sap-suckers are easily controlled with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil, and fruit netting protects the crop from bird raiding.

Cluster on young shoot tips causing leaf distortion and sticky honeydew that encourages mold; worst in spring Knock off with a water jet; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil; ladybirds and lacewings provide effective natural control

Waxy bumps on stems suck sap and weaken shoots; honeydew leads to black sooty mold on leaves Apply horticultural oil spray; scrub accessible scale off with a soft brush; prune heavily infested stems

Thrushes and other fruit-eating birds strip ripe berries quickly once the crop colors up Cover bushes with fine fruit netting once berries begin to ripen; harvest promptly