Aphid on bean sprout
El aphid is one such pests which is a nightmare when it lands in our flowerpotThese tiny, sticky insects seem to invade everything. On top of them, along with them, come the ants that care for them as if they were their own flock, since they take advantage of the honeydew secreted by the aphids. It's difficult to combat them without resorting to systemic insecticides. But it can be done. They exist. ecological solutions that can be applied as a preventive or as a treatment.
In fact, we already know some: the preparations and infusions with potassium soap, Horse tail o it they are effective against aphids. But there is still more.
Although there are many species of aphids, they are easily identifiable in our crops:
- Most of the time, we can directly see the insect (measures about 3 mm).
- They absorb the sap from the leaves with their beaks and they like tender shoots, which leave deformed (like rolled), dry and sticky by the molasses secreted by the aphid.
- Appear yellow spotsso pale green at the bite points.
- Along with them, many times a black mold, the Black Fungus, which uses the sticky molasses as a seat, and dirties and prevents the photosynthetic function of the leaves.
- Also next to the aphid, the ants, which collect the drops of molasses secreted by aphids and are close to them to clean and protect them.
- It is a pest that attacks during spring and the summer. It is favored by environmental dryness and excess fertilizers.
- They extend through the winged females (females with and without wings exist) that disperse the colony to other plants. They do not lay eggs, but give birth to perfect aphids.
The aphid infestation is so harmful because, in addition to damaging young shoots, with its sucking beak it transmits viruses between plants. In addition, Bold, which prevents photosynthesis, and ants converge with it.
To combat a plague of aphids you can adopt the following ecological remedies. The sooner you start, the better, because the more advanced the infestation, the harder it is to control. If you detect the first symptoms, go for them. Remember to also apply treatments to the undersides of leaves and never in the sun.
- Remove weeds and crop debris from the garden so they don't take refuge there.
- If the attack is mild, cut off the damaged leaves and shoots. Remove what you can by gently scrubbing with a toothbrush.
- There are other insects that fight them naturally. Ladybirds (in the larva stage they eat between 20 and 350 aphids for 400 days), lacewings or wasps (Encarsia formosa) can be introduced into their environment.
- A very effective solution against aphids is to spray the affected plants with soapy water () or with pressurized warm water.
- You can also try a very simple mixture: dissolve 2 tablespoons of neutral soap and 2 tablespoons of 90º alcohol in a liter of water. Add 3 or 4 macerated cigarette butts in half a glass of water, well filtered so that the nozzles of the sprays do not clog.
- Another remedy is a nettle-based infusion. Place 500 grams of fresh nettles and 5 liters of water in a bucket, cover the container with plastic or a tight-fitting board, and stir frequently. When the mixture has decomposed, strain it into a bucket. Let it sit for 12 to 24 hours and spray it on the insects.
- Remember the garlic or potassium soap-based remedies we've already published.
- Lastly, plant near the species that act as repellants: honeysuckle, lupine, foxglove, or nettle.
It is crucial to understand how you can perform a biological pest control, especially in the case of aphids.
More information – , ,
For better management of your container garden, it is essential to know how eliminate black aphids from plants and thus prevent it from reappearing.
You can use the techniques we've mentioned to keep your plants healthy and pest-free. Prevention and early treatment are key to successful growing.
Finally, remember that it's important to monitor potential infestations, and if you notice aphids, you must act quickly to prevent them from causing further damage to your crops.
I recommend the use of ladybugs as the best solution in the fight against aphids.
You can check its breeding and applications in http://www.criamariquitas.com
Thanks txuelas!