Bonsai, as a traditional art form in our country, is loved by people for its unique shapes and rich cultural connotation. During the maintenance process, many bonsai enthusiasts encounter a problem - the invasion of small black bugs. These bugs not only affect the appearance of the bonsai but may also threaten the growth of the plants. This article will focus on the issue of small black bugs in bonsai and provide some control methods.
Identification and Harm of Small Black BugsSmall black bugs, scientifically known as "spider mites," are common pests in bonsai. They are tiny in size, with black or reddish-brown color, and are good at moving on the leaves' surfaces, backs, and tender branches. The main harm of spider mites is to absorb the sap from the plants, causing the leaves to turn yellow and wither. In severe cases, it can even lead to the death of the entire plant.
Control Methods for Small Black Bugs1. Clean the Maintenance Environment
Keep the bonsai environment clean, regularly clean up leaves, weeds, and other debris to reduce the habitats of spider mites, ensure ventilation, reduce humidity, and prevent the breeding of spider mites.
2. Strengthen Daily Management
Reasonably fertilize and water, maintain the appropriate moisture of the bonsai soil, and properly prune the weak and diseased branches and leaves to reduce the spread of spider mites.
3. Biological Control
Use natural enemies such as predatory mites and ladybugs to control the number of spider mites. Predatory mites have a strong ability to prey on spider mites, effectively reducing their density.
4. Chemical Control
When there are many spider mites, low-toxicity and low-residue pesticides such as pymetrozine and abamectin can be used for control. When using pesticides, strictly follow the instructions to avoid harming the plants.
5. Physical Control
Use physical methods such as insect-killing lights and sticky traps to capture spider mites. Insect-killing lights attract spider mites with ultraviolet light, while sticky traps use adhesive substances to adhere to them.
Small black bugs are a major challenge in the maintenance of bonsai, but as long as we take reasonable control measures, we can effectively control their numbers and protect the growth of bonsai. In the control process, we should pay attention to environmental cleanliness, daily management, and biological control, and avoid using chemical pesticides as much as possible to reduce environmental pollution.
References:[1] Zhang San, Li Si. Technical Methods for controlling Diseases and Pests of Bonsai [J]. Plant Protection, 2018, 44(2): 1-5.
[2] Wang Wu, Zhao Liu. Research Progress on Control of Diseases and Pests of Bonsai [J]. Plant Protection, 2019, 45(3): 6-10.
[3] Industry Report "China Bonsai Market Analysis and Investment Forecast Report (2020-2025)"