Pittosporum sucker

Symptoms

Pittosporum sucker is a sap-sucking insect pest of Pittosporum species that causes leaf distortion. Plants react by creating a blister or scar best described as pitting of the leaf. New spring growth is particularly susceptible to attack, and retains the scars throughout life. With heavy attacks, sooty mould grows on the honeydew deposits.

Spot them

Adults are winged, yellowish-green to black, of 3-4mm in length. The nymphs and adults secrete copious amounts of honeydew. The eggs are irregular, white or yellowish structures about 0.35mm long. They have a short stalk for attachment to leaf surfaces.