Common Pests and Control Methods of Gardenia
As the king of courtyard fragrance, gardenias often show abnormal symptoms such as yellow leaves and withered branches due to pest infestations. This article will systematically analyze the characteristics of the two most common pests encountered during the cultivation of gardenias, and provide scientific and effective control solutions to help you restore the snowy fragrance of gardenias.
Red Spider: The Invisible Killer in High Temperature and Dry Conditions
Pest Feature Identification
The underside of leaves is densely covered with pinhead-sized red-brown pests, the affected leaves show dense yellow and white spots, and in severe cases, the whole leaf becomes scorched and curled. This tiny arachnid吸取s sap through刺吸式 mouthparts, and its breeding cycle is only 5-7 days in a dry environment of 28-32℃.
Comprehensive Control Plan
1. Environmental Regulation: Maintain air humidity >60%, spray to increase humidity in the morning and evening in summer. 2. Physical Removal: Use a high-pressure water gun to rinse the back of the leaves in the early stage. 3. Biological Control: Release predatory mites (10-15 per plant). 4. (Y-J) Therapy: Soak 50g of tobacco leaves for 24 hours, filter and dilute the liquid 10 times for spraying.
Scale Insect: The Vampire of the Plant World
Pest Feature Identification
The branches and trunks are attached with white waxy scales, with the pest bodies 1-3mm in diameter, elliptical and convex. This pest吸取s sap from the phloem, causing the plant to wilt, and its secreted honeydew can also trigger sooty mold, with up to 3-5 generations per year.
Step-by-Step Control Strategy
1. Manual Pest Removal: Scrape off the aggregated pests with a bamboo stick, wipe with an alcohol cotton ball. 2. Chemical Control: Spray the main branches and trunks with ScaleSure 750X solution. 3. Preventive Medication: Spray 3-5 degrees of lime sulfur solution before the early spring germination. 4. Introduction of Natural Enemies: Release ladybugs from Australia (2-3 per square meter).
Building a Pest Prevention System
It is recommended to conduct a comprehensive inspection every month: • Focus on monitoring red spiders during the unfolding of new leaves. • Prevent scale insects during the flowering bud differentiation stage. • Establish a plant health record to document the occurrence of pests. • Use yellow and blue sticky pest boards for early pest warnings.
By establishing a "prevention-monitoring-control" integrated protection system, combined with proper fertilization and water management, it is effectively possible to reduce the incidence of gardenia pests by over 85%, allowing you to enjoy the beautiful appearance of gardenias with ice肌玉骨 all year round.