What are the pests of Michelia
As a popular fragrant ornamental plant, Michelia often faces pest threats during its cultivation. This article systematically sorts out the characteristics and control measures of three typical pests of Michelia, helping plant enthusiasts accurately identify diseases and pests and take effective countermeasures.
Complete Guide to Michelia Pest Control
Scales:隐蔽性强的汁液杀手 (Concealed sap killers)
Brown soft scales and cottony scales are the main harmful species, whose nymphs and adults刺吸 plant sap through their mouthparts, causing leaf veins to turn brown and branches to wither. The honeydew secreted by the pests can also trigger sooty mold, forming a black mold layer that hinders photosynthesis. Key points for prevention and control: ① During winter cleaning of the garden, use a stiff brush to physically remove the pests from the branches and prune branches with a victimization rate of over 30%; ② Alternate between spraying 40% omethoate emulsion 1000 times liquid and 25% acetamiprid wettable powder 1500 times liquid during the peak hatching period in April, focusing on the back of the leaves.
Aphids: Destroyers of new shoot growth
They mainly gather on tender buds and flower buds, with the sticky fluid they secrete easily causing sooty mold. Severe infestations can cause leaf curling and deformation, hindering the normal development of the plant. Control plan: ① Use yellow sticky traps for physical control of winged aphids; ② Use biological control by releasing ladybug larvae; ③ For chemical control, choose 10% imidacloprid wettable powder 2000 times liquid, focusing on spraying new branches.
Spider Mites: Hidden threat in high temperature and dry conditions
This mite species parasitizes on the back of leaves, causing green spots on the leaves in the early stage and leading to leaf scorching and falling off in the later stage. It is prone to outbreaks in hot and dry conditions in summer, requiring maintenance of over 60% air humidity for prevention. Management skills: ① Regularly rinse the back of leaves with a high-pressure water gun; ② Spray 34% spirodiclofen suspension 5000 times liquid, combined with additional application of phosphorus and potassium fertilizers to enhance resistance.
By establishing a preventive spraying calendar (apply pesticides once in March, June, and September in spring, summer, and autumn, respectively) and combining it with daily observations of susceptible areas such as the back of leaves and tender shoots, the incidence of pests can be significantly reduced. Maintaining good ventilation and light in the environment, and regularly applying decomposed organic fertilizers can help Michelia maintain a healthy growth state.