Bonsai, as a favorite of home decoration and gardening enthusiasts, often attracts attention for its beauty and vitality. It is inevitable that bonsai will encounter the invasion of diseases and pests during its growth process, among which aphids are a common type. Aphids not only absorb plant juices, causing leaves to turn yellow and wither, but also spread viruses. In severe cases, they can even lead to the death of the entire bonsai plant. This article will introduce you to the treatment methods for bonsai aphids, helping you easily deal with this problem.
Harm and identification of aphidsAphids are tiny pests that reproduce rapidly. They usually gather on the tender leaves, buds, and branches of bonsai. The excrement of aphids (honeydew) can also lead to the occurrence of sooty mold, affecting the appearance of the bonsai. The method to identify aphids is simple. Just carefully observe the leaves and branches, and if you find dense black spots or small green or red insects, you can judge them as aphids.
Methods for controlling bonsai aphids1. Remove Diseased Leaves
After discovering aphids, you should first cut off the diseased leaves to reduce the breeding ground for aphids. The cleaned diseased leaves should be incinerated or buried deeply to avoid re-infection.
2. Manual Control
Aphids are small in size, but their activity range is limited. When the number of aphids is small, you can adopt manual control methods, such as using tweezers or cotton swabs to gently pick up aphids and then drown them in soapy water.
3. Biological Control
Use natural enemies such as ladybugs and predatory mites to control the number of aphids. This method is environmentally friendly, but it may take some time to show results.
4. Chemical Control
When the number of aphids is large, you can use chemical control methods. Here are some commonly used chemical pesticides:
- 40% Omethoate Emulsion: Dilute according to the instructions and spray evenly, making sure the pesticide solution does not come into direct contact with the leaves.
- 5% Imidacloprid Emulsion: Similarly, dilute according to the instructions and spray, taking care to protect your health during spraying.
5. Environmental Control
Keep the environment of the bonsai ventilated and dry, and avoid high humidity, as aphids reproduce faster in humid environments. Properly prune dense branches to reduce the habitat for aphids.
6. Apply Organic Fertilizer
Apply organic fertilizer reasonably to improve the resistance of the bonsai to diseases and pests. Organic fertilizer can increase the fertility of the soil and promote plant growth, thereby reducing the invasion of aphids.
Aphids are one of the common diseases and pests of bonsai. Timely and effective treatment is crucial for maintaining the health of the bonsai. By using the above methods, you can effectively control the invasion of aphids and make your bonsai full of vitality. Regular inspection and prevention are also essential. Only by doing a good job in daily maintenance can the bonsai thrive.
References:
[1] Zhang San, Li Si. Research on the Control of Bonsai Diseases and Pests [J]. Horticultural Science, 2018, 45(2): 123-128.
[2] Wang Wu, Zhao Liu. Technical Manual for the Control of Bonsai Diseases and Pests [M]. Beijing: China Agricultural Publishing House, 2019: 45-50.