Whitefly on tomatoes: how to get rid of it easily and quickly
Tomatoes are one of the most popular crops, and it will most likely be difficult to find a garden that does not have at least a couple of rows with bushes of these red, mouth-watering vegetables. But growing them is not always easy. Tomatoes often suffer from various diseases and pests, and the whitefly is far from the last place on this list.
Content
Signs of whitefly on tomatoes
Whitewing is a tiny fly with snow-white wings. The basis of the insect's diet is the juice from plant cells. Not only adults feed on juice, but also microscopic translucent larvae, which causes the main harm to tomatoes.
Both harmful stages of the whitefly are usually located on the underside of the leaves, which is why they are rarely seen by humans.
You can recognize a pest by some external signs of the affected plant:
- loss of color saturation of the leaf plate or the appearance of light spots on it;
- wilting and twisting of foliage;
- sticky glossy coating on the leaves;
- longer ripening period of tomatoes;
- the appearance of white streaks in the pulp of the fruit.
In addition to all of the above, whiteflies often cause other problems for the plant. Following the pest, a soot fungus and ants appear on the sticky surface of the leaves, which do not mind feasting on honeydew.
Causes of whiteflies on tomatoes
Ladybug eats pests.
Just like that, out of nowhere, a whitefly does not appear on the site. In the southern regions with a warm climate, the pest can overwinter in the soil, being in the stage of a false pupa, but in a temperate climate, insects die from the cold. Whiteflies that appeared after a frosty winter can get into the beds as follows:
- after planting infected seedlings;
- having overwintered in the soil of a closed greenhouse or greenhouse;
- after applying manure with wintering insects to the beds.
In greenhouses, besides tomatoes, whiteflies can also infect other plants. Here you will find detailed instructions on how to get rid of an insect in a greenhouse..
Methods of dealing with whiteflies on tomatoes
In order for the fight against insects to bring the desired result, it is necessary to destroy not only adults, but also their larvae. To do this, there are many effective methods using both specialized chemicals and folk recipes.
The former are more effective, but they cannot be used during the fruiting period, while the latter are safer and more environmentally friendly. Among 11 proven methods everyone will find their own.
Experienced gardeners also often drive out pests using their natural enemies. This method is called biological. It is completely safe for plants and gives good results. To get rid of the whitefly will help:
- ladybug;
- bug macrolofus;
- encarsia;
- lacewing.
It is worth noting that when settling in the beds of such helpers, insecticides cannot be used, since chemicals will destroy them along with whiteflies.
Prevention of the appearance of whiteflies on tomatoes
Proper agricultural technology and preventive measures will not allow the appearance of a pest and then you will not have to deal with it. To protect tomatoes from whiteflies, it is important to follow these steps:
- cleaning tops from the beds;
- digging the soil;
- treatment of greenhouses with disinfectants;
- opening the doors and windows of the greenhouse during the frost period;
- purchase of seedlings from reliable suppliers;
- the location of manure heaps as far as possible from the beds and greenhouses.
Conclusion
Fragrant tomatoes were enjoyed not only by people, but also by many harmful insects, including the whitefly. In large numbers, these small pests can mercilessly destroy the entire crop, so when the first signs of their presence appear, you should immediately take action and defend the beds.
Previous