It is a shame when cucumber seedlings planted with love and grown with difficulty are affected by insect pests. If uninvited guests are not detected in time, you can not only harm the plantings, but also lose a considerable share of the crop. The whitefly is among the most frequent guests - lovers of cucumber culture. Small flies, only about 1 mm in size, can pretty much fray the nerves of a caring vegetable grower. What is this pest and how to deal with it? I share my experience with you.
Whitefly: what is this "beast"
Small insects with a yellowish body, parasitizing on cucumber foliage, got this name for whitish wings (there are two pairs in total). A favorite place for whiteflies is the wrong side of the leaf plate. Arriving at the plant once, the insect practically does not fly away. It sticks to the leaf and consumes the nutritious juice. The eggs laid by females do not exceed 1/3 mm in size, so it is difficult to notice parasites with the naked eye.
The first signs of uninvited guests
From my own experience, I can say that most often whiteflies can be found on greenhouse cucumbers. They settle on the entire green surface of greenhouse foliage, as they are attracted by high humidity. However, cucumber plants in the open field must be regularly inspected, since in some cases whiteflies also settle on outdoor plants.
It is possible to say with confidence that cucumber vines are affected by the whitefly in the following cases:
- an accumulation of white flies appears on the inside of the sheet;
- the leaf plate of cucumbers is covered with white stains;
- leaves turn yellow and covered with black patches;
- leaves gradually dry up and fall off;
- small yellow beads (whitefly larvae) can be found on the plant.
Prevention is the best remedy
In order to protect yourself from unexpected visits of pests, it is necessary to take preventive measures even at the planting stage:
- after harvesting last year's harvest, since autumn, carefully treat the soil with fungicidal preparations or a strong solution of potassium permanganate;
- before planting, soak cucumber seeds and treat with Fitosporin;
- remove weeds in a timely manner;
- regularly inspect the leaves and stems of cucumbers, if you find the first signs of insects, carry out the treatment;
- preventive treatment will help plants avoid attack by parasites.
How to deal with whiteflies
The easiest way to deal with these pests is to wash the insects off the leaves with water, soapy water, or garlic concentrate. After that, you can spray the foliage from the sprayer using different solutions:
- folk remedies;
- pharmaceutical preparations;
- chemical compounds.
Effective elixirs in the fight against whiteflies will be:
- concentrated soap solution;
- tincture of roots and stems of dandelions, celandine, garlic;
- vinegar essence diluted in water.
Pharmacy assistants in the elimination of whiteflies can be:
- boric acid;
- hydrogen peroxide;
- iodine solution.
From chemicals, you can purchase drugs "Verticillin" or "Fufanon" and prepare a solution according to the instructions.
The whitefly, despite its small size and external harmlessness, can cause significant harm to your cucumber plantings. Plants slow down in growth, which cannot but affect yields, immunity is weakened, as a result of which cucumbers can become ill with viral and fungal infections. Be alert! Take all available pest control measures in a timely manner.
Share your wrestling experience and you!
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