Elongated white substance on container soil and plants

Question: Can you identify this for me, please, and tell me what to do about it? It is on many of my young plants (still currently indoors and mostly in self-watering containers). It starts on the soil, and eventually may or may not move to the plants.

responder: V/r,  Replied May 22, 2023, 6:54 AM EDT
response: Good Morning, It looks like some kind of pest.  White bugs on plants are typically types of mealybugs, aphids, whiteflies, spider mites, thrips, or scale insects. The most common white sap-sucking pests on indoor plants seem to be mealybugs. These white bugs look like cotton wool and bite into plant tissue. Common white bugs on outdoor plants are whiteflies.  See attached articles for correcting problem.  In addition, you can send in a sample for a small fee to get a firm diagnosis.  Plant & Pest Diagnostics (msu.edu)   Preventing, Diagnosing, and Correcting Common Houseplant Problems (psu.edu) Common Garden Pests | Mississippi State University Extension Service (msstate.edu)  I hope this helps.  Thanks for using our service.

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 27, 2023, 10:20 AM EDT
response: Thank you for your response. I've identified the bugs in the pic, and others that showed up later, as most likely thrips and aphids, with a little powdery mildew on my rosemary. I've bought and used an organic-approved 3-in-1 spray that promises to get rid of all the pests. The bottle says it can be reapplied in 5-7 days if needed. The question now is, how did I get all the old dead bugs off the plants without doing more damage? They're everywhere! (See photos of lettuce.) How do I get the white or yellow stuff off the plants and soil (see radish photo). Are my poor radishes dead?So far, my plants are all inside, but I hope to transplant them into larger containers to move outside this weekend. I don't want to be moving pests, too. Is there anything special I should do to plants and/or starter soil to avoid this?I apologize for being so clueless, but I never expected this sort of problem indoors. What do I need to do to the indoor nursery area (photo) once the plants go out, so that I don't have issues in the whole house, and it doesn't affect my other houseplants?How can I avoid this next year? I *really* appreciate any help you can give me.ShirleySent via the Samsung Galaxy S22+ 5G, an AT&T 5G smartphone-------- Original message --------From: Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> Date: 5/22/23 6:54 AM (GMT-05:00) To: Shirley Cleveland <<personal data hidden>> Subject: Re: Elongated white substance on container soil and plants (#0100795)

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 27, 2023, 10:20 AM EDT
response: Thank you for your response. I've identified the bugs in the pic, and others that showed up later, as most likely thrips and aphids, with a little powdery mildew on my rosemary. I've bought and used an organic-approved 3-in-1 spray that promises to get rid of all the pests. The bottle says it can be reapplied in 5-7 days if needed. The question now is, how did I get all the old dead bugs off the plants without doing more damage? They're everywhere! (See photos of lettuce.) How do I get the white or yellow stuff off the plants and soil (see radish photo). Are my poor radishes dead?So far, my plants are all inside, but I hope to transplant them into larger containers to move outside this weekend. I don't want to be moving pests, too. Is there anything special I should do to plants and/or starter soil to avoid this?I apologize for being so clueless, but I never expected this sort of problem indoors. What do I need to do to the indoor nursery area (photo) once the plants go out, so that I don't have issues in the whole house, and it doesn't affect my other houseplants?How can I avoid this next year? I *really* appreciate any help you can give me.ShirleySent via the Samsung Galaxy S22+ 5G, an AT&T 5G smartphone-------- Original message --------From: Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> Date: 5/22/23 6:54 AM (GMT-05:00) To: Shirley Cleveland <<personal data hidden>> Subject: Re: Elongated white substance on container soil and plants (#0100795)

responder: V/r,  Replied May 28, 2023, 6:18 AM EDT
response: Good Morning, The best defense against these insects and diseases is to provide a healthy environment: keep the soil moist but not wet, allow for adequate airflow around the plant to prevent fungus developing, provide plenty of light and good soil. Pests and diseases that could lead to the plant’s death most often occurs when a plant is already weak and damaged as a result of the poor conditions in which it grows. Most diseases are caused by soil-borne fungus so clean up dead leaves and detritus on the potting soil before bringing the plants inside. Insects and diseases, should they appear, can be treated by an organic insecticidal soap, neem oil or horticultural oils—when using these chemicals read the label to ensure that it can be used on rosemary and follow the application directions.  Insecticidal Soaps for Garden Pest Control | Home & Garden Information Center (clemson.edu) Bring plants indoors now, but leave the pests behind - MSU Extension How to control invasive pests while protecting pollinators and other beneficial insects - Pollinators & Pollination (msu.edu)  I would try spraying the lettuce to remove the bugs.  I would start over with the radishes.  I hope this helps.  Thanks for using our service.