Goji Problem Research

Goji, or boxthorn, are a group of plants from the nightshade family, known as Solanaceae.  Although we haven't seen any pest or problem with any of our plants, we are researching different things that effect tomatoes, potatoes, tobacco or any other related plant.  Listed below are some common pests in our area along with some suggestions for fixing the problem without using pesticides.

• Aphids - garlic/tomato spray, neem oil spray, food grade diatomaceous earth
• Discoloring - probably due to nutrient imbalance.  worm castings tea
• Tobacco hornworm - Neem oil spray
• Tomato spotted wilt virus (tswv) - Unlikely to effect.  If it does effect, then the only known treatment is to select for naturally resistant strains.

Because of their natural ability to grow in arid climates and the natural vitality of the plant, there is a low likelihood of any kind of pest effecting goji production.  For example, goji plants have a tough bark, so aphids, if present are only able to obtain nutrients on the softest growing tips, which only occur for a few weeks or months out of any given year.  The leaves are also too tough for most herbivorous pests.  Most leaf munching pests will take a few nibbles and wander off in search of more palatable nutrition.

Article by: Paul Sober