Mealybug on an orchid: photo of an insect and instructions for protecting a flower
Orchid is considered one of the most original and beautiful flowers. It decorates the window and attracts the eyes of others. Various diseases can lead to the death of a plant. One of the pathogens can be a mealybug. There are many types of parasites. However, the invasion of the seaside mealy and bristly bug is most dangerous for the orchid.
Content
Description of the pest
Mealybug on an orchid.
The Primorsky mealybug is the most common variety. The female has an elongated body shape. The color is pink with a grayish tint. Body with a light coating resembling flour. The bristly bug can be pink or orange in color.
The body is covered with small bristles. There are transverse grooves on the back. Adult males do not have mouthparts. Their death occurs after the end of reproduction. However, they have wings, thanks to which they are very mobile.
Pests unite in colonies, which cause enormous damage.
Life cycle
Before laying, parasites produce substances similar to cotton wool. By the presence of a white coating on the orchid, one can easily understand that parasites have appeared. They are active and prolific.
Signs of the appearance of a mealybug on an orchid
A worm on an orchid.
The pest is relatively large, but inattentive gardeners may miss the first symptoms of the disease. Signs of infection are the presence of:
- white fluffy lumps are cocoons in which there are eggs;
- white plaque - crumbling particles of secretions;
- sticky secretions - honeydew, which is a suitable environment for sooty fungus.
Reasons for the appearance of a mealybug on an orchid
The main reason is the weakened immunity of plants and the time of year. With a decrease in the number of rays of the sun, the exchange of natural processes worsens.
Parasite damage is also associated with:
- unjustified use of fertilizer with nitrogen;
- lowering the level of humidity;
- late cleaning of dead leaves;
- incorrectly selected air temperature;
- frequent and improper watering;
- lack of spraying of leaves;
- unbalanced feed.
Fighting a mealybug on an orchid
You need to quickly begin the fight against the mealybug so that it does not spread. A few tips to help deal with the infection:
- carefully examine the flowers and leaves;
- the affected parts are removed;
- clear raids;
- chemical preparations are treated 3 to 5 times with an interval of 2 weeks;
- their chemicals fit Fitoverm, Aktara.
Effective is a mixture of 1 tbsp. tablespoons of alcohol with 1 liter of warm water and 20 g of laundry soap. The ingredients are mixed and treated with the affected areas.
Horsetail infusion is also suitable. The proportion should be 1:1. Even the roots are treated with this composition. Sprayed with a spray bottle.
You can take 3 chopped onions or a head of garlic and add to 1 liter of water. After 4 hours, you can process the leaves. The same procedure must be repeated after 12 hours to enhance the effect.
In greenhouses, parasites are fought with the help of natural enemies. These include the Australian ladybug, riders, lacewings, marmalade fly larvae. In a short period, they are able to destroy all adults and larvae of pests.
preventive measures
Prevention is an important step in orchid care. Thanks to her, it is possible to avoid the invasion of pests. A few tips:
- acquire healthy plants without plaque;
- control the level of humidity in the room. The flower needs moist air. You can wipe the leaves with a dampened sponge a couple of times a day;
- maintain a certain level of illumination. Installation of special additional lamps is possible;
- inspect the flower and leaves;
- install mosquito nets on windows;
- get rid of the ants.
Conclusion
In the care of orchids, it is very important to carry out prevention. But when the first worms appear, they begin to fight by any means in order to keep the flowers healthy and beautiful.
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