What is wrong with my ground cherry plant?

Question: Yikes, my ground cherry plant looks terrible and it is producing very little. What is wrong with it?

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied August 27, 2024, 1:44 PM EDT
response: Hello Brianna, Thanks for contacting us. I don't yet have a definitive answer for your ground cherry problem and wanted to let you know that your question will be answered. It could be verticillium wilt, though you don't say whether or not the leaves droop later in the day. Ground cherries are part of the potato/tomato family and thus are susceptible to similar issues. I will continue to research this and get back to you. Lesley DC Master Gardeners

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied August 28, 2024, 3:31 PM EDT
response: Hello Brianna, I'm thinking that there could be some sort of sucking insect, particularly on the underside of the leaves. If you shake the leaves do you see white flies/bugs? If so, you could simply squish them! Or spray with a strong jet of water. Or use Neem oil. It could also be clusters of mealybugs which will also respond to either squishing or Neem oil. Or even spidermites. All will respond to Neem Oil. For more details about mealybugs, click here. I'll keep searching for more information for you. Meanwhile, please let us know what you find. Lesley for DC Master Gardeners

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 28, 2024, 10:30 PM EDT
response: Thank you so much for the info! I am out of town now, but will check immediately when I get back.On Wed, Aug 28, 2024 at 3:31 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied August 30, 2024, 10:59 AM EDT
response: Hello again, Another thought from another gardening expert: Have you recently sprayed herbicide or mosquito repellant in the area? If so, it could be splatters from the herbicide/mosquito repellant, especially if it’s only on the topside of the leaves. Let us know once you’re back in town and can check on your plants. Lesley, DC Master Gardeners

responder: The Question Asker Replied September 04, 2024, 11:20 PM EDT
response: Greetings,The ground cherry plant is not wilting. Also  , I shook it today but no little white bugs flew around. I did see, however, a black and orange insect on the plant. Please refer to the attached picture. The other pics do not have that bug on them. Thanks! Thank you Sent from Gmail MobileOn Fri, Aug 30, 2024 at 10:59 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied September 06, 2024, 11:49 AM EDT
response: Hello Brianna, So sorry you're still struggling with your ground cherries. It's a bit hard to identify what's going on from the photo. I can't see enough of the bug that you described. However, near the bug I see lots of tiny white specks which look likes mites. You could try to dislodge them all with a strong blast from your hose (and your plants will get watered at the same time!). You can also spray with neem oil on both top and undersides of all the leaves. If possible, it would really help if you can send an enlarged photo. Good luck! Lesley

responder: The Question Asker Replied September 06, 2024, 12:10 PM EDT
response: Hi,Apologies, I meant to attach the current photo that I’m attaching now. If I do spray with neem oil, is that dangerous for human consumption? I do like to eat the little ground cherries. Thank you, Brianna.Sent from Gmail MobileOn Fri, Sep 6, 2024 at 11:49 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied September 06, 2024, 6:04 PM EDT
response: Hello again, Neem oil is non toxic to humans, so you can eat your ground cherries , just follow the instructions on the bottle. You can also try washing them off with dish soap and water, or a jet from your hose.  This afternoon I was at UDC so asked an expert for advice. While not an entomologist , she thought the red and black bug is beneficial and not the cause of the problem. She also said it’s the tiny white mites that are causing the problem. She confirmed using the soap and water, the spray from your hose, and also that neem oil is safe to use on edibles. I hope this helps your ground cherries! Lesley

responder: The Question Asker Replied September 06, 2024, 8:40 PM EDT
response: Thank you so much for the info! I really appreciate your assistance and follow up. Have a terrific weekend!On Fri, Sep 6, 2024 at 6:04 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote: