Aphids on tomatoes: how to fight. Folk and chemical means, types of aphids

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The article discusses in detail aphids on tomatoes: how to deal with chemical and folk remedies, prevention, types of aphids, methods of its recognition.

This is strange and surprising - tomato tops are used to prepare a composition with which they get rid of harmful insects on other plants. But at the same time, among the thousands of species of aphids, you can find exactly those that prefer to feed on the juice of these particular plants, such gourmet aphids. As a rule, they affect young plants either at the seedling stage, or shortly after transplanting into the ground, they appear unexpectedly and in large numbers, so information on control methods and preventive measures will be informative and relevant for many gardeners.

Aphids on tomatoes: how to fight. Which aphid prefers tomatoes

Almost everyone can imagine what aphid looks like - it is a small insect of an oval or drop-shaped shape (no more than 3 mm), the color can be light, different shades of green, brown or black, winged and wingless individuals are found. Most of all, 4 types of aphids like to feast on tomatoes: white, potato, melon and peach.

White (it is also called root) settles on the surface of the earth, so they notice its presence when the plant is already badly damaged. It feeds on the sap of the stem, blocking the access of nutrients and water to the rest of the plant.

Potato the aphid is slightly larger, its size is about 4 mm, the color can be either red or green.

BUT melon the aphid, on the contrary, is extremely small (1-1.5 mm), at the beginning of development the insects are green, and the adult females acquire a black-green color.

Peach aphid (sometimes called a greenhouse) migrates to tomatoes in the spring, having overwintered on peach trees, so it is unlikely to meet it in a summer cottage in the middle lane.

What is the difference between individuals with wings and without wings? Females have wings, which are able to independently move to a suitable plant, and already multiplying by parthenogenesis, create a whole colony.

The greenhouse is very suitable for aphids: comfortable temperature and humidity in the presence of a large number of plants. Therefore, as soon as you find the first signs of the presence of insects, you must immediately determine the method and begin to eliminate the pest. The sooner you solve the problem, the less damage will be done to your plantings.

Aphids on tomatoes: how to fight. How to recognize aphids

Aphids make a puncture and drink the sap of the plant, when this happens for a long time, the plant no longer has enough moisture, the leaves begin to curl, change color and dry out, then fall off. A sticky substance appears on all parts of the plant, which the aphid exudes. It is her that ants love so much, therefore they transfer aphids to more succulent shoots and even protect them from other insects. Tomatoes stop growing actively, weaken and may start to hurt, since the immune system at this moment is very weakened.

Aphids are rarely interested in already set fruits; young plants are of greater interest to her. Therefore, when growing seedlings and replanting them in a greenhouse, be especially careful, constantly inspect the plants and, if insects are found, take action.

Aphids on tomatoes: how to process

In the end, everyone decides for himself how to deal with aphids, there is no one single correct method. There are many popular recipes that are completely harmless to tomatoes and to humans. And then there are chemicals that may work more effectively, but leave behind a dubious mark.

First of all, if the affected area is not critical, you can try to handle it manually - collect and transfer insects, while removing the most affected leaves (it is best to burn them). You can use plain water, try to "wash off" the aphids with a strong stream from the hose. You will be able to completely cleanse the plants, although the aphids will not be destroyed and may return to their original place. Plus, there is a chance of damaging the roots with a strong jet.

Some insects and birds feed on aphids, but if the affected plants are in the greenhouse, then this will not help much. Alternatively, you can collect as many ladybirds as possible and transplant them all onto tomatoes.

Folk remedies

Ingredients for the preparation of spray formulations can be found in every kitchen or garden, you don't have to buy anything special, there are a lot of recipes - there is plenty to choose from. You can use such compositions at any stage of tomato growth, they are completely safe. And after you get rid of the aphids, it will be enough to repeat the spraying about once every two weeks for prevention purposes.

In any recipe you will find soap, it is used for the best "adhesion" of the solution, insects stick to each other and to the foliage, unable to escape and die. It should be sprayed in the evening in dry weather, if it rains later, be sure to repeat the procedure. To obtain the desired result, you will have to spray it three times with an interval of 4-5 days.

In addition to soap, solutions may include garlic, vinegar, iodine, milk. Some people treat plants with Coca-Cola and are very happy with the result. Here are some easy recipes.

Prepare a liter of infusion of any herb that has a bitter taste and strong smell - wormwood, yarrow, celandine, marigolds. Dissolve the concentrate in a bucket of water and add 40 grams of grated or liquid soap.

A solution of soap and ash will not only cope with aphids, but also heal plants: dilute a glass of ash in a ten-liter bucket and add 20 grams of soap.

One of the most effective and fast-acting remedies is baking soda. 9-10 tablespoons per bucket, a little soap, and not only tomatoes, but any other plants can be processed.

Ammonia does not just disperse aphids with a strong smell, it burns the internal organs and kills insects (and this is what we are striving for?). You will need 2 tablespoons of ammonia and a tablespoon of soap in a bucket of water.

You can also use solutions with the addition of vegetable oil, makhorka, and all this will be no less effective. Do not forget to deal with the extermination of ants in parallel with this, since these insects exist in symbiosis. Every time you think that you have destroyed the aphid population, the ants, in the meantime, will transfer new aphids to the plants, carefully planting them on the most succulent leaves, this is how it works.

How to get rid of aphids on tomatoes with chemicals

Not everyone is ready to use chemicals, but if you still decide to resort to the help of insecticides, then you can use them only in the initial stage, until the plants begin to bloom. As in the case of folk remedies, you will have to spray it three times, only then you can be sure that all the larvae are hatched and destroyed.
All drugs on the packaging have a very well-written description, based on which they are low-toxic and harmless to humans, and also protect plants from various infections.But, despite this, you should still work only with gloves, and the dishes that were used, then wash thoroughly.

«Spark"- the drug not only destroys insects, but also feeds the plants with potassium, which is so necessary during the growth period.

"Biotlin" - the drug is economically consumed, acts on both adults and larvae, it is recommended for spraying plants in a greenhouse.

"Karbofos" is an effective drug that is absorbed into the body of insects.

Bleach - used for spraying the lower parts of plants, with a negative effect on insects, it has a beneficial effect on the soil.

You can also use drugs such as "Aktara", "Fitoverm", "Tanrek" - the spectrum of action is approximately the same for all, everything can be used exclusively before flowering.

Prophylaxis

Any experienced gardener will confirm to you that a timely set of preventive measures will save you from the need to fight harmful insects and plant diseases in the future.

Dig up the ground well in the fall, removing all plant debris, so you can significantly reduce the number of eggs laid for the winter by aphids and other insects.

Remember about the symbiosis of aphids and ants - in the spring it is necessary to identify and destroy all the anthills located near the vegetable garden and fruit trees, since most often it is the ants that spread the aphids through your plantings.

Create complex plantings by placing plants with a pungent smell next to tomatoes: garlic, marigolds, spicy herbs, their aroma is not pleasant to aphids and ants, which means it will scare off pests.

Make it a rule to constantly inspect the plants to detect the appearance of insects at an early stage, then it will be much easier to deal with them.

Carry out preventive spraying with solutions prepared according to folk recipes, even in the absence of insects. There will definitely not be harm, and all insects that want to settle on your tomatoes will be scared away by such spraying. And solutions using ash, soda and iodine will increase the immunity of plants and prevent some diseases.

Aphids multiply very quickly, therefore, it is also necessary to react to its appearance promptly. In a matter of days, the insect colony grows, draws out all the juices from the plant and moves on. The sooner you handle it, the more likely your plants will not be harmed and will provide you with a good harvest.

Aphids on tomatoes how to fight