Aphids on strawberries and strawberries: how to protect sweet berries from pests
Strawberries and strawberries are the most popular summer berries. Experienced gardeners know firsthand what diseases and pests they encounter in the process of growing these delicious berries. One of the most secretive, but at the same time, the most dangerous pests on strawberry and strawberry bushes is aphids.
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Signs of aphids on strawberries and strawberries
Without careful inspection of the plant, notice the appearance of aphids pretty hard. Pests spend almost all the time on the lower surface of the leaf plate and therefore its presence becomes noticeable only when the plant weakens and characteristic symptoms appear:
- loss of elasticity, shape and complete wilting of the leaves;
- after watering, the leaves do not “come to life” and continue to weaken;
Aphids on strawberry leaves.
- an ant colony settled near strawberry or strawberry beds;
- different parts of the plant are covered with a viscous, sticky substance - honeydew;
- growth of bushes slows down;
- stems and leaves are deformed, various formations may appear on them.
How to get rid of aphids on strawberries and strawberries
You can fight aphids on berry bushes in different ways. Depending on the degree of damage, you can use various folk recipes, insecticidal preparations, or even call for help from the natural enemies of this small pest.
Chemicals
This method involves the use of toxic drugs. They effectively destroy pests, but they are forbidden to use during the fruiting period.
Spraying insecticides during the flowering of strawberries or strawberries can also be dangerous, as the toxic substances in their composition will kill not only aphids, but also beneficial pollinating insects.
- Aktara;
- Spark;
- Inta-Vir.
Traditional recipes
If the infection of berry beds with aphids was noticed at the initial stage, you can try to drive the pest away using folk recipes. Such methods are usually safe for both fruits and beneficial insects. The following products are suitable for processing strawberries and strawberries:
- acetic solution;
Dried strawberry leaves.
- solution with wood ash;
- infusion of dry mustard powder;
- solution with hydrogen peroxide.
Biological method
Another environmentally friendly way to destroy aphids is to attract help predatory animals that feed on it. Under natural conditions, this pest is included in the diet of the following species:
- ladybugs;
- lace-eyes;
- hoverflies;
- various types of birds.
Read more: 26 aphid control products - advice from an experienced gardener.
Prevention of the appearance of aphids in berry beds
The most correct and effective method of pest control is regular prevention and proper agricultural practices. Healthy, strong bushes of berries that are looked after and protected are much less likely to suffer from the invasion of harmful insects.
To prevent the appearance of aphids on the site, you must adhere to the following recommendations:
- inspect the underside of the leaves of a new plant for aphid oviposition before planting in the ground;
- before planting berry bushes, you should clean the bed of tops, weeds and other plant residues, as well as dig up the soil;
- around beds with strawberries and strawberries, plant strong-smelling plants such as onions, garlic, parsley or calendula;
- prevent the appearance of anthills on the territory of the site, and destroy anthills near the berry beds.
Conclusion
A multiplied colony of aphids can jeopardize the entire crop of berries and even lead to the death of all the bushes in the garden. Therefore, it is very important to protect the plants and take all necessary measures to prevent the appearance of this dangerous guest.
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