Aphids on fruit trees: eliminating the threat and prevention

The damage that aphids cause to an area is not comparable to the miniature size of the insect. In order to prevent mass infection, it is necessary to follow all the rules of agricultural technology and not forget about prevention. Before fighting aphids on fruit trees, in order to prevent the formation of colonies and avoid epidemics in the garden, it is necessary to find out the reasons for the appearance of insects, and then select chemical and biological preparations, and folk remedies.

Green aphid attack

What kind of aphid is it and why is it dangerous?

Aphids are a frequent visitor to plots. This insect usually does not exceed 0.5 mm in length, which makes it difficult to detect early in the lesion. There are species reaching 7 mm. Gardeners notice aphids when their colonies become larger. First, a small black dot appears on the inside of the leaf. There the insect creates colonies.

Some species have wings to help them migrate. When treated with pesticides and other drugs, aphids fly from place to place in search of more suitable conditions. Wingless species also move around the site with the help of short legs, but within the nearest fruit crops.

The insect likes not only fruit trees and shrubs, but also vegetables, flowers, and ornamental plantings. For normal life, insects need moisture. With the help of a proboscis, aphids pierce the soft tissues of leaves and buds, thereby receiving nutrients. Due to the regular loss of amino acids, parts of the plant become depleted over time and stop developing.

Pest colonies on foliage

Signs of harmful activity of a pest colony:

• leaves fall prematurely;
• the edge of the leaf blade curls and darkens;
• plant shoots are deformed;
• growths appear on the trunk;
• the buds fall;
• the plant loses its ovaries;
• the overall growth of a tree or shrub slows down;
• the plant becomes so weak that it is no longer able to survive the winter cold.

Signs of pests

Aphids have a round or oval shape. The parasite is from 1 to 5 mm in length. Small individuals can be less than a millimeter. Particularly large – up to 8 mm. Aphids come in several colors depending on the species: green, red, pink, black, yellow, and also transparent.

It is quite simple to understand that pests have appeared on plants. This is signaled by:

• dried and curled leaves;
• tree trunks and branches are covered with mucus;
• deformed shoots;
• weakened flower stems;
• fallen buds.

Aphids can be seen with the naked eye. The insect moves in colonies, so the infected area will have several dozen parasites at the same time. Pests prefer to settle on the leaves from the inside. They can also be found on the top of plants.

How dangerous is a garden guest?

The pest leaves waste products on the leaf blades - secretions from carbohydrates and excess water. The sugary substance is called honeydew. It covers the leaf blade, preventing normal photosynthesis. The leaves become a target for the fungus. In addition, a colony with aphids is a carrier of viral diseases. As a result, severe damage is caused to the plant.

Spraying as a control method

To remove aphids, a whole range of agrotechnical measures is required. Among them are competent crop care, preventive measures and the direct phased destruction of colonies using chemical, biological and folk methods.

Timing for treating plants against aphids

The named guest operates in dachas throughout the entire season, from early spring to autumn frosts. Before deciding when you can spray fruit crops, you need to remember that not only chemicals are effective, but also biological products and folk remedies. The first treatment against aphids is carried out at the moment of bud break, the second - during flowering and formation of ovaries, the third - at the beginning of fruiting, the fourth - after harvesting.

Biological products that are developed on the basis of living microorganisms can be used throughout the growing season. This group includes Fitoverm, Lepidotsid, Vostok EM, Fitosporin, Mikosan and others. Almost all biological products not only fight pests, but also help strengthen the immune system of plants.

A set of preparations to help the gardener

Treatment with chemicals is carried out at any time, but at least 2-4 weeks before harvest, and even better before the ovaries appear. Anti-aphid chemicals are appropriate for massive infestations of fruit trees.

Processing method

The most common treatment method is spraying from a sprayer. Any solution should be at room temperature and filtered through cheesecloth or a fine sieve. Do not exceed the consumption rate of the working solution or make the tincture more saturated. The aphids will die faster, but burns on the leaves and stems will not be the best consequence of the treatment. This method is suitable for killing aphids on leaves and shoots.

No less dangerous are aphids, which can infect plant roots. It is much more difficult to detect; wilting of leaves and stems may be the first sign of the appearance of this particular pest. When this variety appears, watering should be used. For fruit crops, you need to choose solutions without substances that are toxic to humans or burn.

There are many chemicals that can completely get rid of aphids, but not all of them are safe. Folk remedies are often not inferior to them in effectiveness. Let's look at the most accessible and effective ways to kill aphids.

Chemicals against aphids

To get rid of aphids, no special knowledge is required, since most drugs are equally effective against all types of pests. All work should be carried out wearing protective gloves and a mask. You must follow the instructions strictly, since if the concentration of the drug is exceeded, a burn may appear on the crown. After contact with the treated plant, it is recommended to wash your hands. The effect of chemistry lasts on average 3-4 weeks.

The most effective insecticides:

1. Kalash is a new spraying product to which aphids have no immunity. It is based on the potent substance imidacloprid. Available in 10 ml containers and 5-10 liter canisters. It lasts for 3 weeks, is not washed off by rain, and does not evaporate in the sun. It has a low consumption rate and can be used together with fungicides and herbicides.
2. Tanker - the action of the insecticide lasts throughout the season. Destroys aphids on fruit plantings, flowers, and vegetable crops. It has a detrimental effect on many pests of fruit plants.
3. Spark double effect is a product for comprehensive protection of plantings from invasion by more than 60 species of garden inhabitants. Includes 2 powerful insecticides - permethrin and cypermethrin. The composition includes a special potassium fertilizer to restore damaged areas of plants. Available in tablets weighing 10 g. Recommended for severe infection before bud break.

   
   Instructions for use

4. Aktara is a popular insecticide against a variety of pests with an active substance called thiamethoxam. The properties of the solution are maintained for 15-30 days, depending on weather conditions. The prepared composition can be used within 48 hours. Available in the form of emulsion, powder, tablets, small granules.
5. Actellik gives the best results in warm and humid conditions, although treatment is not recommended at temperatures above +28°C. Do not mix with Bordeaux mixture and other alkaline agents. In case of a massive pest invasion, it is recommended to double the dosage.

Bordeaux liquid for aphids

Bordeaux mixture consists of lime and copper sulfate. The drug often helps gardeners in cases of infection by insects and fungi. Fruit plants are treated with the solution several times:

• The first treatment is before the buds swell.
• The second is a 3% solution at the time of bud opening.
• The third - at the vegetative stage, 1% solution.

A properly prepared solution should have a light blue color, a slightly alkaline pH reaction, and no sediment. It is not recommended to use laundry soap for stickiness, as it will shift the pH value. Frequent use of the product is prohibited so as not to lead to an excess of copper salts in the soil.

Basic composition of 1% solution:

• bucket of water 10 l;
• quicklime - no more than 110 g;
• copper sulfate – 100 g.

Preparation of a 1% solution of Bordeaux mixture

To make a 3% solution, you need to increase the proportions. You will need 300 g of copper sulfate, 450 g of lime and 10 liters of water. In the orchard, a 3% solution is used for rich blue spraying. To determine the reaction of a liquid, use red litmus paper pre-moistened in water. If it turns slightly blue, then everything is done correctly.

Spraying in hot weather or after rain leads to foliage burns.

It is not recommended to mix Bordeaux mixture with any drug.

Instructions for using Bordeaux mixture

Biological products to protect plant health

Organic-based products can protect the site no less effectively than chemical products. At the same time, biological preparations are harmless to humans and plants. The following biological products are trusted by gardeners:

1. Arrow is a powder that simultaneously eliminates aphids and feeds the plant. To prepare the solution, take 50 g of powder and 10 liters of water. The effect is noticeable already on the third day after treatment.
2. Fufanon is a fast-acting organophosphorus emulsion. Paralysis of the insect occurs after 2 hours, and within a day the pest dies. Sold in ampoules from 1.5 to 10 ml. It is not recommended to mix with other pest control products. To spray the crowns of trees and shrubs, you need to dissolve 10 ml in a bucket of water. To process a small bush, 1.5 liters are required. It should be sprayed before flowering; in case of severe infection, the procedure is repeated 2-3 times.
3. Fitoverm for plants is a product in ampoules and bottles from which a solution for spraying is prepared. The dosage depends on the degree of spread of the pest and on average is 5 ml of the substance per 0.6 liter of water. After treatment, the effect of Fitoverm lasts for three weeks.

   
   Fitoverm in ampoule

When working with biological products, it should be taken into account that rain reduces their effectiveness. It is recommended to repeat the treatment the next day after a rainstorm. If the weather is dry, spraying is carried out on the 12th day.

Insects and plants in the fight against aphids

Biological methods of control are considered one of the most effective. Once you place a ladybug on your property, it will immediately begin to absorb harmful guests. In just one day, one assistant will eat two hundred parasites.

Nurse insects that will help rid the area of ​​an aphid colony:

• lacewings;
• flower flies;
• Red ants do not feed on aphids, but are enemies of black ants. This species is considered an ally of aphids; such insects are not afraid of fire, as they hide deep in the soil. Red ants will help destroy black ants.

Sparrows, tits, and linnets are biological weapons against pests. It is important to attract all these creatures to the site and not create situations that are dangerous for their existence. For example, many beneficial insects overwinter in fallen leaves and dry grass. Ladybugs will love corn tops. To burn it all means to deprive of helpers, to provide aphids with a poorly protected garden.

Video about the use of ammonia and laundry soap.

A powerful remedy against aphids is plants. It is worth planting henbane, tobacco, dandelion, basil, wormwood, garlic, onions, horseradish, cornflower, and shepherd's purse on the site. Petunia, begonia, nasturtium, the beloved mallow, bird cherry, and viburnum, on the contrary, attract aphids, so they should be planted as far as possible from fruit crops.

Aphids in the garden - how to fight?

Among all pests, aphids have a small, albeit dubious, advantage. It has a very fragile shell, which is destroyed even by ordinary soap solution. So you can even do without chemical insecticides.

— Rinse out all the beds that are possible with a hose;

— For greater efficiency, prepare a solution of liquid soap at the rate of a spoon per liter;

— Grind 100 g of tar soap into a bucket of water and use for spraying;

— Pass through a chopper or finely chop two cups of tomato leaves, potato tops or sorrel. Pour the mixture with a little more water, let it brew for several days and dilute it in a bucket for spraying;

— Prepare an infusion of 40 g of finely chopped onion per liter of water. Let the mixture sit overnight, add a little laundry soap and strain;

— Garlic infusion is prepared in the same way as onion infusion, but you need 250 g of garlic per liter of water. 50 ml of concentrate is enough per bucket of water for spraying, so it is also very economical;

- Mix crushed horseradish, hot pepper or any other hot ingredients with water and liquid soap;

— Plant marigolds near cucumber and bean beds for prevention, and tansy and pyrethrum along the perimeter of the garden. These plants contain substances that repel pests;

— Attract natural enemies of aphids to the garden - ground beetles, ladybugs and lacewings. Now you don’t even need to take special measures, because their larvae are specifically available in stores.

Photo: zen.yandex.ru

Diseases of currant leaves: descriptions with photos, treatment

Folk remedies for aphids on fruit trees

Infusions are preferred by those who want to grow the healthiest crop possible without chemicals. Many of them are no less effective than chemicals. Spraying with herbal infusions is the basis of folk methods of struggle.

Before you find out what to spray on leaves affected by aphids, you need to look at what herbs grow around the area. The basis is taken from those plants that insects cannot tolerate: tansy, horseradish, tobacco, wormwood.

Recipe for wormwood tincture:

1. The stems are cut with a knife, poured with boiling water and left for a day.
2. The contents are filtered and mixed with a solution of laundry soap (100 g). This will help the product stick to the leaf.
3. The affected crown is sprayed with infusion, special attention is paid to the lower parts of the foliage.
4. 5 liters of the drug is enough for one plant.

   
   Solution obtained from green mass

Infusions are prepared similarly from tobacco leaves, chamomile stems and flowers, dandelion roots, onion peels, and potato tops. It's good if the plants have a pungent odor.

The fight against aphids on fruit trees is possible with the help of ash:

1. 300 g of ash is dissolved in 10 liters of warm water. You can boil the mixture for half an hour.
2. For stickiness, add 100 g of laundry soap, rubbed into fine shavings.

To treat the crown against aphids without spraying, they resort to fumigation. Wood chips are placed in a tin can and a fire is made from them. Tobacco dust is poured into the fire. As soon as smoke begins to pour out of the container, it is placed under the infected plant.

Video about using soda in the fight against aphids.

How to remove aphids from seedlings

Seedlings are very sensitive to all external factors, so aphids can completely destroy them. Young greenery withers before our eyes, the leaves curl and lose color.

— If there are very few aphids, remove them manually using gloves;

— Treat the seedlings with a solution of 30 g of laundry soap per liter of water;

— Add 100 g of tobacco powder to a liter of soap solution;

— Pour 200 g of pine needles with a liter of water, let it brew for a couple of days, dilute and use for rinsing;

— Use a solution with the addition of neem oil, an effective natural remedy against aphids. At the same time, this is an excellent prevention against thrips and ticks;

- 300 g of crushed chamomile, marigolds or dandelions, along with the roots, pour a liter of water and let it brew for 3 days;

— If the seedlings are in a greenhouse, then fumigation with tobacco smoke is ideal. Make a small fire from thin branches in a metal container and pour the contents of any cheap cigarettes into it.

Photo: sezon-ka.ru

Lavatera (50 photos): varieties, planting and care in open ground

Preventive measures

Protection against insects begins with prevention:

1. Aphids lay eggs in the bark of trees. In the fall, all exfoliated parts must be removed. Autumn pruning of damaged and old shoots is carried out.
2. In winter, dig up the soil around the bush, replacing the mulch layer.
3. It is necessary to take measures to expel black ants, which co-exist with aphids, from the site. When digging up the soil, insects are poisoned. Antimol, formaldehyde will do.
4. You can install a special sticky belt on the tree trunk. It will prevent ants from climbing up the trunk.
5. In the spring, the tree trunk circle is dug up, and appropriate fertilizers are applied under the bush.

Aphids reproduce very quickly, and any indulgence can lead to the growth of parasite colonies. Only a set of all the listed measures guarantees the garden’s protection from pests.

Measures to prevent the appearance of aphids

And finally, you should pay attention to how to prevent aphids from appearing on plants. Maybe all this seems simple and elementary, but it is precisely such simple things that keep the garden clean.

1. Carry out inspections in a timely manner so as not to miss the appearance of pests.

   Aphid on a leaf.

2. Pruning and removing weeds.
3. Remove anthills from the area and monitor the spread of these animals in the plantings.
4. In autumn, tidy up the area, remove growth and tops.
5. Comply with crop rotation requirements and choose the right neighbors.