Q.black eggs under leaf of chard
I grow in large wine barrels, organically, and have noticed my chard getting huge leaves. When harvesting this morning, I noticed small round black (eggs?) with stickiness on the under side of most all leaves. I also have ladybugs. . . are these their larva? If not, any idea what they are? There are clusters and some spread out. Would love to allow ladybugs to hatch. . . but it’s kinda icky on produce. I live in N. Cal. Very hot and dry climate. . . any ideas would be welcome.
Thank you
Certified GKH Gardening Expert
It may be aphids since you mention stickiness on the undersides of leaves, as this would be from the honeydew they secrete. Neem oil is a good treatment for this and is both safe to use and effective. Here is more information: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/pesticides/neem-oil-uses.htm
