Question
QUESTION: Hi Tom  , I  started a jasmine tree project in Thailand two months ago with 1,200 plants . I have lost about 20% most after the leafs have been eaten by caterpillar, I am looking to get new seed from my existing plants , where will I find them and what is good  natural defense against the caterpillar. thank you .Frank

ANSWER: Hi Frank,
Thanx for your question. Can you tell me what type of Jasmine you have?  If you have a hybrid form, some types are sterile but all hybrid seed will not be stable meaning that you will not get exact copies of the parent plant and there could be wide variation in the flower, the foliage, vigor, etc.  Let me know what type of jasmine you have.
thx,
Tom

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi Tom, Please forgive my ignorance, I have asked the supplier and his reply was I only sell them I do not grow them, (this is Thailand and communication is a big problem)
I can describe the flower as looking like a small white pearl, it is used for making garlands , the type of thing they put around your neck in Hawaii ,
What about the caterpillars , they are still getting fat on my leafs,
All the best
Frank  

Answer
Hi Frank,
Thanx for the additional information.  I believe the jasmine you're talking about is Jasminum samabac which is used to make leis and in Hawaii, we called it pikake.  Mostly, this type of jasmine is propagated by cuttings.  Most of the cultivars available now are hybrids and they are self-sterile so they won't produce a viable seed.  If a seed were produced, it would be in the form of a berry after the flower has wilted.  Seeds can be sown lightly pressed into the soil and kept warm and moist but not soggy.  I recommend using Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) as a natural means of controlling caterpillar.  You can buy it on line if you can't find it locally but most stores that have agricultural or horticultural specialties should have it.  The other chemicals that were mentioned for it are too toxic for humans.  I hope this helps.
Tom