Pests and Diseases of Lettuces
![Pests and Diseases of Lettuces](/temp/resize/400x300/upload/news/10-2018/90eb431f-5bbdb28c425cc52c2d0ff2f0.jpg)
Lettuces
Aphids (various species)
Typical symptoms: Leaves are infested with pink or green aphids; the leaves may be sticky.
Prevention and treatment: See Aphids as Garden Pests
Cutworm (Noctua pronuba and other moth larvae)
Typical symptoms: Plants wilt suddenly; stems are eaten through at ground level. Large, fat caterpillars may be found in surrounding soil.
Prevention and treatment: See Pests and Diseases of Seedlings and Young Plants
Grey mould (Botrytis cinerea)
Typical symptoms: Heads of lettuce rot; a fluffy grey mould is present.
Prevention and treatment: See How to Treat Common Plant Diseases
Lettuce downy mildew (Bremia lactucae)
Typical symptoms: Yellow patches appear on leaves; white mould may develop underneath in damp conditions. The patches turn brown and angular with age.
Prevention and treatment: See How to Treat Common Plant Diseases
Lettuce root aphid (Pemphigus bursarius)
Typical symptoms: Plants wilt suddenly; growth may be stunted. Small, pale aphids are seen on the roots surrounded by a white powdery wax.
Prevention and treatment: The most effective way to avoid this pest is to grow resistant varieties. See Aphids as Garden Pests
Slugs and snails
Typical symptoms: Leaves are eaten at night; slime trails are visible.
Prevention and treatment: See Slugs and Snails – Garden Pest Control
Viruses and deficiencies
Typical symptoms: Yellow marbling or other unusual patterns on leaves.
Prevention and treatment: See Plant Diseases – Understanding the Problem
Wireworm (Agriotes lineatus)
Typical symptoms: Seedlings and larger plants grow poorly.
Prevention and treatment: See General Garden Pests
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