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Identification and Control of Whiteflies and Scale Insects
As succulent plants become increasingly popular in the market, more and more gardening enthusiasts are starting to care for these diverse and colorful plants. During the cultivation process, succulents are also susceptible to various pests and diseases, among which whiteflies and scale insects are common. This article will provide you with a detailed introduction to the identification methods and control measures for these two pests, helping you better care for your succulent plants.
Identification and Control of Whiteflies
1. Identification Features
Whiteflies are small pests, with adult bodies ranging from 1.5 to 2 millimeters in length, and are white or pale yellow. Their wings are covered with a white powder. They typically gather on the undersides of succulent leaves, sucking plant sap, which causes the leaves to turn yellow and fall off. In severe cases, this can even lead to the death of the plant.
2. Control Measures
(1) Physical Control: Regularly inspect your succulent plants. If you find whiteflies, you can gently brush them off with a soft brush.
(2) Biological Control: Introduce natural predators of whiteflies, such as predatory mites and ladybugs.
(3) Chemical Control: In the early stages of a whitefly infestation, you can spray with a 10% Imidacloprid emulsifiable concentrate diluted 1000 times. Apply the spray every 7-10 days for 2-3 consecutive times.
Identification and Control of Scale Insects
1. Identification Features
Scale insects are small pests, 1-3 millimeters in length, with a hard shell covering their bodies. They typically gather on the leaves, stems, and fruits of succulent plants, sucking plant sap, which causes the plant to grow slowly, and the leaves to turn yellow and fall off.
2. Control Measures
(1) Physical Control: Regularly inspect your succulent plants. If you find scale insects, you can gently brush them off with a soft brush.
(2) Biological Control: Introduce natural predators of scale insects, such as predatory mites and parasitic wasps.
(3) Chemical Control: In the early stages of a scale insect infestation, you can spray with a 40% Omethoate emulsifiable concentrate diluted 1000 times. Apply the spray every 7-10 days for 2-3 consecutive times.
Whiteflies and scale insects are common pests and diseases for succulent plants, seriously affecting their growth and aesthetics. To effectively control these two pests, gardening enthusiasts should strengthen their observations during cultivation, detect them in a timely manner, and take measures. Combining physical, biological, and chemical control methods is the best way to protect the healthy growth of your succulent plants.
References:
[1] Zhang Lihua, Li Xiaofeng, Liu Xiaodong. Research Progress on Pest and Disease Control of Succulent Plants [J]. Plant Protection, 2018, 44(2): 1-5.
[2] Wang Fang, Liu Fang, Zhang Xiaohong. Control Techniques for Pests and Diseases of Succulent Plants [J]. Plant Protection, 2017, 43(1): 1-4.