The insecticide Aktara is designed to control pests in gardens and vegetable patches, but today it is also successfully used on houseplants susceptible to pest attacks. This product has several advantages over many similar products, which have demonstrated its high effectiveness in practice. It is completely degradable in soil, has no pungent odor, lasts for 30-40 days, and is low-toxic to humans and animals.
Aktara can be used prophylactically once a month. The insecticide can be used year-round and in all weather conditions, as its chemical formula is resistant to sunlight and does not change its activity depending on varying levels of humidity.
Chemical properties and composition of Aktara
The product is a systemic insecticide. By penetrating the extensive vascular system of plants, it becomes lethal to insects.
Main properties of Aktara:
- rapid distribution throughout the vegetative organs of the plant (roots, stems and leaves);
- does not have a specific pungent and unpleasant odor, like other chemicals;
- dissolves well in warm water;
- is a non-selective insecticide, meaning it protects plants from various pests (aphids, scale insects, mealybugs, thrips, whiteflies, sciarids and other insects);
- The product is not intended for use against spider mites, but nevertheless, some gardeners still note a positive effect;
- active at high temperatures, high humidity and dry air;
- resistant to sunlight;
Properties of Aktara - has a long period of residual action (when applied directly to the soil substrate – 40-60 days, when sprayed – 15-28 days);
- compatible with other insecticides, fungicides, as well as plant growth stimulants and regulators (except for alkaline reaction products - Bordeaux mixture, lime fertilizers, various soaps, etc.);
- does not accumulate in bulbs, tubers and fruits;
- has low phytotoxicity (has a weak toxic effect on the plant, practically without inhibiting its growth and development);
- resistance is possible (resistance of the pest organism to repeated use of Aktara, caused by addiction to the active substance), therefore it is recommended to alternate the drug with other effective insecticides of a similar nature;
- does not affect pupae, eggs and non-feeding adults (imagoes).
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For indoor gardening, the product is available in special foil packets containing 4 g of water-soluble granules. Actara's active ingredient is thiamethoxam, which is absorbed primarily through the gastrointestinal tract. The first signs of its effect can be observed within 25-60 minutes. Thiamethoxam can spread throughout the plant within 24 hours, and for large flowers, this may take 2-3 days.
You may be interested in:Instructions for use of Aktara for indoor plants
The product is used according to the instructions for watering and spraying indoor plants. Soaking seedlings and treating seeds is also recommended. First, prepare the solution and calculate the dosage before applying Aktara.
Preparation of solution and calculation of dosage
Storing the prepared solution is contraindicated. Therefore, it is recommended to prepare only the amount that will be used on the same day. Shake the solution thoroughly in a tightly sealed container immediately before use.
Pour the granules into the container and stir with a stick until completely dissolved. You can first dissolve the mixture in a glass and then mix its contents in a larger container, or immediately prepare the optimal amount of mixture in a spray tank.
When treating indoor plants with a fine spray, 4 g of the product should be diluted in 5 liters of water. This volume is sufficient for effective treatment of 100-120 small plants, or an entire greenhouse. The average consumption rate of the suspension is up to 10 liters per 10 square meters. A smaller amount can be made by maintaining the correct ratio of water to the product.
For each pest, it is necessary to select the appropriate dose of insecticide:
| Pest | Dose of the drug |
|---|---|
| Aphid | 4 g per 5 l |
| Whitefly | 1 g per 1 l |
| Scale insects and false scale insects | 4 g per 5 l |
| Thrips | 4 g per 5 l |
| Mealybug | 1.4 g per 2 l |
For primary treatment against spider mites, you will need 8 g of the product per 5 liters of water.
For irrigation, just 1 g of Aktara per 10 liters of water is required, which will protect 250 plants. Average consumption is up to 2 liters per 100 square meters.
Watering the soil
Soil watering is considered more effective, as Aktara is a systemic insecticide. Avoid pouring the solution onto the plant's root collar. In cases of severe pest infestation, this method of insecticide application is recommended in combination with spraying.
| Pest | Quantity and frequency of watering |
|---|---|
| Spider mite | 4-5 with an interval of 1 week (if the pest appears again, the drug will not help) |
| Scale insects and false scale insects | 2-3 in 10 days |
| Mealybug | 2-4 with an interval of 10-12 days |
| Fungus gnats and soil flies | 1 (if more is needed, then in 1 week) |
Foliar spraying
Spraying is less effective than watering, but the effect of the product begins much faster. It is recommended to spray the suspension with a fine mist sprayer, keeping a distance of 25-30 cm from the affected plant. Spray all parts of the plant, including the undersides of the leaves.
| Pest | Number and frequency of treatments |
|---|---|
| Whitefly, aphids, thrips | 3 in 7 days |
| Scale insects and false scale insects | 2-3 in 10 days |
| Mealybug | 2-4 in 10-12 days |
Treatment should be carried out before the plant begins flowering, preferably in the morning and evening. If the treatment is performed outdoors, it is recommended to do it outdoors in calm weather. It is not recommended to bring the plants indoors immediately. Spraying is permitted in the bathroom, but never in the living room (especially the bedroom).
You may be interested in:Potential harm to plants and humans and how to minimize it
If you follow the instructions for use and do not exceed the recommended concentration of Actara, it will not cause any harm to houseplants, even delicate and fussy orchids. Excessive application of Actara may cause plant sensitization (increased sensitivity). In this case, the application dose should be reduced.
Aktara is moderately toxic to humans and animals and belongs to hazard class III (medium or moderate). However, when handling it, the following precautions should still be taken:
- use a respirator or gauze bandage, rubber or silicone gloves, protective glasses, headgear, special clothing and appropriate footwear;
- During the use of a systemic insecticide, refrain from smoking, eating and drinking;
- at all stages of work, thoroughly ventilate the room;
- work no more than 2 hours;
- refrain from using utensils that have come into contact with the substance for food purposes;
- Store the drug at an acceptable temperature range of +10 to +35 C, out of the reach of children and animals.
After all procedures, wash your face and hands with soap, rinse your mouth, and change into clean clothes.
The following symptoms indicate insecticide poisoning:
- decreased motor functions;
- convulsions;
- nausea;
- vomit;
- general weakness.
You may be interested in:If such symptoms appear, the victim should immediately stop working. Take them to fresh air, give them a glass of water with activated charcoal, then three additional glasses of water, and induce vomiting (only if the person is conscious). After administering the necessary first aid, seek medical attention immediately.
Florists' reviews of the use of Aktara
Overall, gardeners respond positively to the product, highlighting several important points in their reviews:
Alina, owner of orchids: "I had mealybugs on the stem of one of my orchids. I cut it off, wiped the rest with soapy water, and removed the pests from everywhere, but they came back. Then I applied Aktara according to the instructions (1.5 g per 10 liters). When I repeated the treatment, I increased the concentration—one sachet per 5 liters of water. After three immersions and sprayings, the pests disappeared."
Polina, amateur gardener: "I use Aktara once every six months. When mealybugs appear, I spray the plant four times over four days. I pay particular attention to the center of the plant, as there are a lot of larvae there. I even spray the tray."
Tatyana, phytosanitary inspection specialist: "Beware of counterfeits of this drug. The genuine one has a hologram with an oval in the center with the Syngenta logo. If you tilt it, the Aktara logo will be visible. The material of the counterfeit hologram is often thick and easily peeled off. The original peels off like a film, and part of it remains on the package."
Valery, florist: "The product does its job. One drawback I'd note is the high price. Actellic and Bi-58 are more cost-effective. Aktara is also dangerous for bees. This should be taken into account when using it outdoors."
Aktara is highly effective against many pests. In practice, it is even used against a particularly virulent indoor pest—spider mites. However, the "chemical" is not intended for this arachnid. This product acts quickly and can be sprayed or watered on the affected plant. It is not extremely dangerous to humans. However, the insecticide must be used with caution, observing all safety precautions.
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