Aphid! This word gives goosebumps even to experienced gardeners. Twisted sticky leaves, black plaque from insects, lifeless shoots - any summer resident has met with these symptoms at least once. Aphids infect almost any plant in the garden. But there are special crops in the plant world that are most attractive to these pests. If you plant them on your plots, you are guaranteed a horde of aphids. I wonder what? Then read to the end.
What is dangerous aphid
Small colorless or black flies, it would seem, are harmless due to their small size. However, they can cause serious harm. Sucking juices from delicate greenery, aphids literally kill entire branches and shoots. If action is not taken in time, then the entire crop may be in jeopardy.
The most delicious plants
Despite its omnivorous nature, aphids still have some gastronomic preferences. The most desirable for her are the following plants:
- bird cherry;
- viburnum;
- nasturtium;
- Apple tree;
- sea buckthorn;
- gooseberry.
Bird cherry and viburnum
These plants can often be found in squares and front gardens. If you look closely, you will see twisted leaves on the tops of the branches, which eventually dry out and fall off. This means that the plant is affected by aphids. Sweet juice of viburnum and bird cherry attracts the sweet tooth. Along with aphids, ants are always nearby. Since neither viburnum nor bird cherry are fruit bushes, sometimes it is enough just to pour water over the plants under pressure. But be careful! From these shrubs, aphids will quickly migrate to your garden.
Nasturtium
This flower is a kind of lifesaver for gardeners. Many experienced growers use nasturtium as a bait for aphids. And this approach has its advantages. Planted close to cultivated plants, nasturtium will take the brunt of pests as it magically attracts insects to it.
Apple tree
For an adult and strong apple tree, aphids are not terrible. Colorless flies are capable, of course, of causing some damage to the plant, but in general, there will still be a crop. But young seedlings should be especially protected. After all, their immunity is still weak, so aphids can destroy a small apple tree.
Sea buckthorn
This plant is increasingly found in suburban areas. I will not write about its benefits, because even children know about it. Loves sea buckthorn and aphids. I do not advise planting this shrub near vegetables and fruit crops, since sea buckthorn insects will definitely visit them.
Gooseberry
Aphids live on this berry bush for generations. The first batch feeds on young leaves. The second gentle shoots. And the third - affects the entire bush. The leaves curl and fall off, the berries shrink, and the plant itself withers.
Basic methods of struggle
I do not advise to immediately resort to emergency measures and use chemicals to combat the invasion of aphids. When processed, beneficial insects will also die. Poisoned aphids can also kill birds. For an adult plant, use:
- watering under pressure;
- ammonia solution;
- boric acid.
If the seedlings are affected, then insecticides are most likely needed. A timely treated plant will be protected for 3-4 weeks. But be careful and do not use chemicals during the formation and setting of berries and fruits. Otherwise, it will be impossible to eat them.
Check your property regularly. A timely detected enemy can be defeated without a fight. Follow the neighborhood rules between plantings and do not plant bait plants near valuable crops. Remember that nature always strives for balance. Often birds and beneficial insects are able to cope with the invasion of aphids on their own.
How do you deal with annoying insects?
Read also: Effective ways to deal with slugs in the garden
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