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Plant disease identification


Question
I need help with a identification of plant disease. I have Dahlia pompon flower, and recently it was affected with some disease. I am sending you links for the images of the plant:

http://i50.tinypic.com/2ymzuph.jpg
http://i48.tinypic.com/122e0s5.jpg
http://i49.tinypic.com/miky1y.jpg
http://i45.tinypic.com/9kp2s4.jpg

I also have problem with other flower (don't know the name). When i shake them lot of small flies are coming out, and they are visible on leaves. Here are some images (flies can be seen also on the chair):

http://i48.tinypic.com/2ey9lok.jpg
http://i50.tinypic.com/2w3t02f.jpg
http://i45.tinypic.com/qrdg60.jpg

Thank you in advance with answer.

Answer
Hi Aleksandar,

It looks like you actually have arthropod problems rather than a plant disease problem.  The first plant (Dahlia) has a severe spider mite infestation.  It can be difficult to correct severe spider mite infestations, but if you cherish this plant you can give it a try.  

Rather than restating information that is already out there, I am going to give you a link to an excellent fact sheet that covers control of house plant problems.  
http://www.extension.umn.edu/distribution/horticulture/m1183.html
It goes over some of the different non-chemical things that you can do such as washing/scrubbing the plant.  It also gives a long list of chemicals to treat your problem.  This plant has spider mites, so you will want to select a chemical from the list that is listed for spider mites.  You should be able to find these products at a store with a garden center.

As for the second problem, it is clearly an insect problem, but I am not certain on the insect.  They look like white flies, but they were pretty tiny.  White flies are a likely cause and they would cause damage.  You can select a product for white flies and I suspect that it will be effective.  If these two plants are close together, it would not be unexpected to also have mites on this plant.  So if possible, you may want to use a product that takes care of both infestations.

In the images, it appeared that these plants are in your home.  You will want to select a product that can be used on house plants.  Something such as an oil would be safe to use in the home.  Your chemical choice will be larger if you could move the plants outside for treatment.  I would treat the plants outside and leave them there for about a week before returning them to the home.  

Good coverage is essential when you treat for insects.  Be sure to spray both upper and lower leaf surfaces.  You will most likely have to treat the plants 2-3 times if you want good control.  It is best to use different products for the treatments that work differently if you want the maximum control.  Given the severe infestation on the Dahlia, you may need to cut it back and remove some of the webbing to get good control.

Good luck with your plants.  You have a bit of a battle ahead!
--Jen

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