Aphids are several thousand species. What they have in common is that they feed on plants en masse, sucking their juices and causing them to die. They reproduce quickly, and their presence in the garden can cause enormous damage. No wonder they are considered the most dangerous and troublesome pests. How to recognize aphids on tomatoes and how to get rid of them?
What do tomatoes attacked by aphids look like? This is how you can recognize the pests
You can recognize the presence of this pest on tomatoes by several symptoms. Leaves and buds turn yellow, become deformed and eventually dry out. Even earlier they appear characteristic excrements of aphids, i.e. honeydew, also known as honeydew, and the ants attracted by it. Honeydew not only clogs the stomata, preventing the plant from receiving carbon dioxide and nutrients, but also attracts ants and increases the risk of fungal diseases. Weakened by sap sucking and lack of nutrients, the plant withers. As a result, you can only dream of a bountiful tomato harvest. Above all, the first cause for concern should be the observed presence of small black insects.
Tomato aphids are a real nightmare for gardeners. Anastasia_Panait / shutterstock
How to get rid of aphids on tomatoes? Not only a home spray for aphids will help
How to get rid of aphids from tomatoes? You can use the simplest method and “invite” ladybugs, lady beetles, lacewings, greenhouse aphids, aphid midges or earwigs to your patch. These are natural enemies of aphids. You can lure ladybugs to the area of the plant attacked by the pests using water and sugar. Lacewings, on the other hand, can be attracted by nectar plants planted near tomatoes, including thyme, yarrow or buckwheat. This is not the only home remedy for aphids on tomatoes.
- Garlic spray. Crush 4-5 cloves and throw them into a jar. Pour a liter of water and leave for 24 hours. After that time, dilute with water in a 1:1 ratio and spray thoroughly each tomato bush, especially under the leaves. Repeat the treatment every few days.
- Soda spray. Dissolve a heaped tablespoon of baking soda in a liter of water. Pour into a sprayer and spray the tomatoes. Repeat every few days.
- Nettle spray. Pour 10 l of water over 1 kg of fresh or 200 g of dry herb. Leave for 24 hours in a warm place. Pour into a sprayer without dilution and spray the tomatoes. Repeat spraying if necessary.
TIP! In addition to plants that attract lacewings, you can also plant plants that repel aphids near your tomatoes. These include garlic, onion, mint, ornamental garlic, oregano, lavender, sage, marigold, and elderberry.
Source: Gazeta
Bruce is a talented author and journalist with a passion for entertainment . He currently works as a writer at the 247 News Agency, where he has established himself as a respected voice in the industry.
