Greetings, caretaker. We lupines are generally resilient beings, but like all living things, we face our share of challenges. When our vibrant foliage is compromised, it hinders our ability to photosynthesize and produce the beautiful spires of flowers we so enjoy. Let me explain these common afflictions from my perspective.
This is a deeply frustrating experience. Tiny larvae hatch from eggs laid on our leaves and immediately begin burrowing *inside* us, between the upper and lower surfaces of our delicate leaflets. We can feel them feeding on our inner tissues, creating those unsightly, meandering, pale trails or "mines." This damage is not just cosmetic; it steals the precious energy we produce from the sun. While a few tunnels are a minor inconvenience, a severe infestation makes us look unsightly and weakens our overall vigor, making us susceptible to other issues.
Aphids are perhaps the most common annoyance we encounter. These small, soft-bodied insects, often clustering on our tender new growth, young stems, and the undersides of our leaves, pierce our vascular systems with their needle-like mouthparts. They drain our vital sap, which is rich in sugars and nutrients we have worked hard to produce. This feeding causes our leaves to curl, pucker, and yellow, stunting our growth. Furthermore, they excrete a sticky, sugary substance called honeydew, which coats our leaves and often leads to the growth of sooty mold, further blocking sunlight and impeding our photosynthesis.
This fungal disease is particularly prevalent in conditions where our foliage remains damp for extended periods or when air circulation around us is poor. It begins as faint white, powdery spots on our leaves and stems, but can quickly spread to coat large sections of our surface area. This powdery substance is a mass of fungal spores that effectively suffocates us. It blocks the sunlight our chloroplasts need and interferes with our respiratory functions. Infected leaves often turn yellow, brown, and wither prematurely. It is a significant drain on our health, especially in the late season when we are preparing our energy stores for the next cycle.
