11 remedies for the Colorado potato beetle when planting potatoes to protect tubers
The fight against the Colorado potato beetle has already become a routine matter for those who want to grow potatoes on their site. To get the result, various traps are laid out near the potato beds, the bushes are dusted and sprayed with various preparations, and even insects are collected by hand. In addition to all this, there is another proven and effective way to protect the crop from "colorados", and this is the treatment of tubers.
Content
Why is preplant treatment of tubers necessary?
Processing tubers before planting is an effective method that helps to prevent damage to potatoes by the Colorado potato beetle and other dangerous pests. This method is popular among experienced farmers, as it has many advantages.
The substance that the tubers are treated with penetrates into the stems and leaves of the upper part of the plant during growth. Thanks to this, potato bushes are resistant to many pests and do not need to be sprayed with insecticides for a long time.
Potato bushes grown from treated tubers do not need to be treated with pesticides. This reduces the risk of poisoning of handlers, pets and beneficial insects.
Pre-planting treatment helps protect tubers from fungal and bacterial diseases, as well as from underground pests.
How is the preplant treatment of tubers carried out
There are two main ways to protect tubers before planting: spraying and immersion in a special solution.
Spraying
Spraying tubers before planting, it is very important to carry out outdoors in calm weather. The process of such processing is as follows:
- A clean film is spread on the ground and the edges are fixed.
Treatment of tubers before planting.
- Potato tubers are carefully laid out in one layer on the film. In this case, it is very important not to break the sprouts.
- Using a sprayer or a broom dipped in a special agent, the potatoes are carefully processed and then allowed to dry.
- After 20-30 minutes, the tubers are carefully turned over and processed on the other side.
- A few hours after spraying, potato tubers are ready for planting.
Immersion in solution
This method is no less effective, but for its implementation it is necessary to have a suitable container. The tubers must be in the solution for some time so that the insecticides are absorbed into them.
After the processed potatoes are dried and planted in the wells.
What tools are used to treat tubers
Means and preparations for preplant treatment practically do not differ from those used to treat potato bushes.
Chemicals
Specialized insecticides are considered the most effective in the fight against the Colorado potato beetle. A number of drugs have gained wide popularity among the people.
Traditional recipes
For supporters of natural and environmentally friendly methods, there are many folk remedies that you can easily prepare yourself.
| Preparation | Preparation |
|---|---|
| A decoction of onion skins | The floor of a bucket of dry husk is poured with 10 liters of water. It is necessary to put a load so that the husk does not float on the surface and insist 2 days. |
| Green Walnut Peel Infusion | Pour 2 kg of green walnut peel with 10 liters of water and leave for 5 days. |
| Wood or coal ash | Carry out dusting of tubers. |
What can be harmful processing potato tubers
When processing tubers, it is very important to follow the instructions, otherwise a procedure that is useful at first glance can be harmful:
- It is impossible to plant treated tubers in the same area every year. Over time, chemicals can accumulate in the soil, and after a few years, potatoes grown on such soil may become unfit for human consumption.
- When processing tubers, it is very important to observe the dosages of drugs, otherwise an excess of hazardous substances can get into young tubers.
- Pre-planting processing of tubers is not suitable for varieties of early ripening, since at least two months must pass from the moment of processing to eating potatoes.
Conclusion
Preplant processing of tubers has both pros and cons, but despite this, it is popular with many farmers. If the procedure is carried out taking into account all the rules and recommendations, then the potato beds will be reliably protected from diseases and pests, and toxic substances will not affect the composition and taste of the crop.
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