African Milk Tree with Leaf Curl Virus? Rare but Treatable
Euphorbia trigona
Leaf curl virus is a serious viral disease caused by begomoviruses, transmitted by whiteflies (Bemisia tabaci). It affects various plants including tomatoes, peppers, and ornamentals, causing significant yield losses and plant decline. Once infected, plants cannot be cured and management focuses on prevention and vector control.
ð Symptoms
- âĒ Yellowing of young leaves
- âĒ Severe upward and downward curling of leaves
- âĒ Stunted plant growth and bushy appearance
- âĒ Reduced leaf size and puckering
- âĒ Chlorosis on leaves and flowers
- âĒ Flower drop and reduced fruit production
- âĒ Deformed and smaller fruits in severely affected plants
â Possible Causes
- â Transmission by whiteflies (Bemisia tabaci)
- â Vector feeding on infected plants then transmitting to healthy plants
- â Warm temperatures favoring whitefly populations
- â High whitefly pressure in growing areas
- â Presence of infected plant material or weeds nearby
ð Treatment
Quick Fixes
Step 1
Immediately isolate and remove all symptomatic plants from the garden
Step 2
Destroy infected plants (do not compost - burn or bag for disposal)
Step 3
Spray remaining plants with insecticidal soap focusing on leaf undersides
Step 4
Install yellow sticky traps throughout the growing area
Step 5
Apply neem oil treatment to all surrounding plants as preventive measure
Step 6
Monitor daily for new symptoms and whitefly presence
Organic Treatment
Step 1
Remove and destroy all infected plants immediately to prevent virus spread
Step 2
Install yellow sticky traps to monitor and capture whitefly vectors
Step 3
Apply neem oil spray (follow product instructions) to leaf undersides weekly to control whiteflies
Step 4
Use reflective silver mulch around plants to repel whitefly vectors
Step 5
Plant barrier crops (maize, sorghum) around affected areas
Step 6
Introduce natural predators (ladybugs, lacewings, minute pirate bugs) for biological control
Step 7
Maintain optimal plant health with proper watering, nutrition, and spacing
Step 8
Remove weeds that serve as alternative hosts for virus and vectors
ðĄïļ Prevention
- â Plant resistant or tolerant varieties whenever possible
- â Install 6-8 yellow sticky traps per acre to monitor and control whiteflies
- â Use reflective mulches to deter whitefly landing
- â Establish barrier crops like maize or sorghum around fields
- â Remove weeds in and around growing areas
- â Inspect transplants carefully before planting
- â Practice crop rotation with non-susceptible crops
- â Maintain proper field sanitation
ðą Care Guide: African Milk Tree
ð§ How to Water
Water only when soil is completely dry, typically every 3-4 weeks. Reduce watering in winter. Wrinkled leaves indicate thirst. Yellowing or browning may signal overwatering and root rot.
âïļ Lighting
Prefers bright indirect light to direct sunlight. Can tolerate some direct morning or afternoon sun. Avoid harsh midday sun which may cause scorching. Also adapts to medium light conditions.
ðŠī Ideal Soil
Use well-draining sandy or cactus mix. A 2:1:1 blend of cactus soil, perlite, and coarse sand works well. Good drainage is essential to prevent root rot.