Aubergine - A problem or not?

THFC

Hi all,

I have been lurking in this forum for a long time and always found the information provided very helpful.
I have finally joined having spotted a potential issue with a number of my aubergine plants - and subsequently been unable to find any information about this anywhere, despite so desperate google searches.

Today I noticed that what could be described as white fluff on my aubergine stems actually wipes off.
I had assumed that this white fluff was normal - but am now wondering whether it is the sign of disease or pest.

I am attaching a couple of photos - the first ('worse' one) is either Moneymaker or Black Beauty, the second (which only has a small amount) is Czech Early.

Any thoughts or advice would be very much appreciated.

Thank you!

Mrs-B3-Southampton,-Hants

*bump*

THFC

Thanks Mrs B3

Anyone have any ideas?

Pete.8

Sorry, no - never grown them
Sometimes when there's no one on this forum that can help I've had good advice from here - 
https://chat.allotment-garden.org/index.php?PHPSESSID=4cbaed76f2600a468b823d0b02dcb953&

THFC

Great - thanks Pete

floralies

I grow Aubergines outside down here in France, I guess yours are in a greenhouse? I don't have much trouble with mine, the closest I can get is woolly aphids on yours but I may be wrong.

THFC

Hi Floralies,

Thanks for the reply - I'll look into wooly aphids.

Actually a couple are in a green house but the rest are outside. All have this fluff!

Pete.8

If you have a magnifying glass or similar see if you can see anything moving in the fuzzy stuff.
A closer look at the white dots on the 2nd pic may reveal something.
Are the leaves affected in any way?

THFC

Ok thanks - will search for a magnifying glass = and will take a photo of one of the leaves.
The seem ok to me - but do have lots of very small yellow spots. 
I've looked under the leaves, but there are no sign of insects etc.

Pete.8

Lots of very small yellow spots on the surface of the leaves could indicate spider mites.
They live on the underside of the leaves, but you will need magnification to see them.
They're almost transparent too which doesn't help

I bought one of these about 15 yrs ago for £1, it's still working well- 
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/153365770679?hash=item23b54ff1b7:g:PfUAAOSwWrNcWY2Y&amdata=enc%3AAQAHAAAA0O8AO6RNjdt6WYsF8dWcCxJo4yqJZmbmk2sr6tn0d96yQccPBoW2CEOcsEzZtM07vxCAtGrmKcYcOkmPTN8cXpIVPPSTKT%2BbB%2FgR2kTc%2FgihBMTrxCjrQO%2Bx5awJMMvTwcfy2uIKP9gzJhSc%2F0Ehup5mU%2BJx4zvVdtmcC7PH0aD%2FUPzxr%2F5w31nhvdaXlZs5XtMQ6AbWtG%2FvUGoh82WLpMyrOOagLUdmNCvwY1oq8Rj4w4h81hLip%2FKcv%2B6AEJ5EfU4NVIBw2wW0Iv49zqEMWFw%3D%7Ctkp%3ABFBMhLW-1b9g

Joyce Goldenlily

I thought it looks more like powdery mildew. I have a couple of aubergine plants in the conservatory. Have grown them before but never had any problems, I think it might be to do with atmosphere being too dry.