Before examining this issue in detail, it's important to discuss these harmful pests. Aphids are small insects that come in a variety of colors. Certain species feed on the sap of fruit trees. Other species prefer to inhabit vegetable plants. Aphids are so prolific that they can reproduce up to 17 generations in a single season. The peak of reproduction occurs in the first month of summer. Therefore, gardeners should be aware of... How to deal with aphids on fruit trees in June. This is because it produces the most fruit during this month.
It's also worth noting that other pests, such as ants, feed on their waste products. They, in turn, protect them from being eaten by ladybugs and small birds. Aphids are so harmful that they prevent the plant from developing fruitfully. Furthermore, they are a carrier of viruses that can destroy entire trees. Effective methods of aphid control fall into several categories: chemical, biological, and mechanical.
Mechanical method for eliminating aphids
A similar method involves rinsing with cold water. To do this, use a spray bottle with a pressure of 3 bar and repeat the procedure several times a day. This method is effective in eliminating aphids, especially on young trees.
Biological method for eliminating aphids
Aphids are known to be a food source for many birds and insects. Therefore, this method can be used against pests. For example, placing a small food feeder on the affected area of a fruit tree will attract small birds such as tits and sparrows. As a result, the birds will consume the aphids within a few days, protecting the tree.
Ladybugs are also partial to aphids. To attract them, leave dry grass under the tree. This provides an excellent shelter for these insects to overwinter. With the onset of warm weather, ladybugs will consume the aphids. garden and vegetable gardenAn experienced gardener knows how to control aphids on fruit trees using mustard. The plant's scent attracts aphid-eating insects. Dill can be used as an alternative method to attract ladybugs.
These insects are partial to the fragrant aromas of fennel, garlic or onions.
Similar grasses and plants also attract other aphid-eating beetles. Place a small container of sawdust near the fruit tree. Earwigs love to nest in the shavings. They also feed on aphids and will help eliminate them within a few days.
You can also deter pests by planting plants farther away from fruit trees. Examples of suitable plants include mallow, begonia, and nasturtium. Aphids are particularly attracted to these plants. They are also attracted to linden and corn. Therefore, fruit trees should not be planted near these plants.
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Chemical method for eliminating pests
Chemicals for effective aphid control can vary widely. Experienced gardeners know how to control aphids on fruit trees: forum, before new buds appear, and they recommend using the chemical C-30. This product effectively eliminates the pest's eggs.
The chemical C-30 can be replaced with a similarly prepared solution: 70 g of kerosene and 35 g of soap are poured into a 10-liter bucket of heated water. To eliminate adult aphids and small larvae, spray during the period of new bud break.
Fruit trees can be sprayed with products such as Kinmiks, Intra-Vir, and Karbofos. Spraying should be repeated several times to effectively eliminate pests before bud break. There are also other folk remedies for controlling dangerous fruit tree pests. Gardeners suggest using solutions based on garlic, pepper, soap, and onion. Aphids are one of the most dangerous and destructive pests for fruit trees and plants. However, it's important to remember their symbiosis with other pests—ants.
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Ants and aphids
It was previously noted that aphids and ants have a friendly relationship. To obtain the sweet secretions, ants protect their hosts. They also effectively transmit aphids during the winter. Ants carefully care for the aphids, preventing their death during the cold season. With the onset of warm weather, the ants transfer the aphids to young tree shoots.
In forested areas, ants are extremely beneficial. In home gardens and orchards, they cause aphids to destroy trees and fruit crops.
Effective methods of aphid control
Every year, gardeners and vegetable growers introduce ladybugs into their greenhouses and hotbeds. They help control aphids by eating them. A ladybug can consume up to 100 aphids in a day. The seven-spotted variety of ladybugs feeds on aphids on fruit trees, plants, and vegetable crops. Aphid beetles can be used on melons and gourds. They are also attracted to honey plants such as phacelia and mustard.
Folk remedies for fighting dangerous pests
There are several folk methods for effectively eliminating aphids:
1. Dandelion infusion. To prepare, use 150 g of dandelion leaves and steep them in 10 liters of warm water. The infusion will be ready in 15 minutes.
2. Onion tincture. To prepare it, you'll need 200 g of leaves and 10 liters of water. Let it steep for 10 minutes before use.
3. Tomato or potato tops infusion. To prepare, use 1.5 kg of tops and let them steep in warm water in a 10-liter container for several hours.
4. A celandine-based decoction. Fill a bucket a quarter full with the herb and add cold water. Let this mixture steep for 24 hours. Strain the mixture and then spray it on the affected plants and trees.
5. Pepper tincture. To prepare, use 50 g of red pepper and add 1 liter of hot water. Then, let the infusion steep for 2 hours. Dilute the prepared concentrate in a 10-liter bucket of warm water and spray the plants. This process can be repeated if the first attempt doesn't work.
6. Before spraying, add 40 grams of soap shavings and 1 tablespoon of liquid soap to any infusion. This method helps the infusion adhere effectively to the leaves.
It is also important to know,How to get rid of ants in your garden.
Alternatively, as an alternative method or how to control aphids on fruit trees using folk remedies, foliar feeding is recommended. The solution should contain approximately 20 g of superphosphate and 10 g of potassium chloride per 10 liters of warm water. When spraying, ensure that the leaves are wet on all sides. Repeat this treatment for one week.
Any spraying method should be performed during the warm part of the day. However, treatment should not be carried out before rain or heavy dew.
Effective solutions for aphid control:
Red chili pepper. To prepare the solution, you'll need about 10 peppers and 1 tablespoon of soap per 1 liter of warm water. Crush the peppers, mix them with water, and let them steep for 24 hours. Strain the mixture and spray it on the infested plants. Note: This effective solution is successfully used to kill caterpillars, bedbugs, and codling moths.
Let's look at another effective method that will help gardeners combat aphids on fruit trees after flowering, using tomato tops. To prepare the solution, place 500 g of green tomatoes in a 10-liter bucket of warm water. Let the infusion steep for 30 minutes. Apply the prepared solution in the following proportion: one cup of solution per 1 liter of warm water.
Garlic infusion. To prepare, use 200 g of finely chopped garlic. Then place the chopped garlic in a 1 liter container of water and let it steep for a week. For spraying, dilute the garlic infusion in 300 ml per 10 liters of water.
Wood ash. Vegetable plants should be dusted with wood ash in the morning and evening. A decoction of tobacco tobacco can also be used at a ratio of 100 g per 1 liter of warm water. Boil the liquid for 60 minutes and strain thoroughly. The decoction is applied at the following ratio: 350 g per 10 liters of liquid. Note for those wanting to learn how to control aphids on fruit trees (video): to achieve effective results, repeat the spraying every 2 days.
Important information for summer residents:
1. Aphids mainly eat weak plants.
2. It is necessary to eliminate blacks ants, as they are carriers of aphids.
3. Aphids are eaten by some wasps and small birds.
4. Plant trees and plants that attract pests, such as mallow, viburnum, and begonia. Garlic, onions, calendula, and wormwood should be planted near vegetable crops.
By following these helpful tips, every gardener will know how to combat aphids on fruit trees during flowering and get rid of these dangerous pests once and for all.
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