What to do if cinnabar root has pests
As an indoor potted plant with high ornamental value, the cinnabar root often suffers from pest infestations due to improper care. Yellowing, curling, or holes in the leaves often indicate that the plant is under threat from pests. This article will provide a systematic control plan for common pest types affecting cinnabar root.
Identification and Control of Pests on Cinnabar Root
Characteristics and Treatment of Aphid Infestation
Aphids gather on the back of tender leaves, absorbing sap through their piercing-sucking mouthparts, causing leaves to curl and deform. The honeydew secreted by the pests can easily trigger sooty mold, severely affecting photosynthesis. It is recommended to use 75% alcohol cotton swabs for precise spot-killing in the early morning, or to spray the back of leaves with a chili water solution (50g fresh chili + 500ml boiling water, cooled after boiling).
Key Points for Control of Moth Larvae
Beet armyworm and oblique-striped armyworm larvae have a voracious appetite, with their food intake increasing dramatically after the third instar, capable of eating an entire leaf in 48 hours. If leaf edges are missing or leaf flesh is absent, immediate manual capture should be performed and followed by spraying with a 1000-fold solution of Bacillus thuringiensis (BT preparation), which is effective against Lepidopteran pests.
Building a Pest Prevention System
Three Elements of Environmental Regulation
Maintaining a day-night temperature difference of ≤8°C, air humidity of 60-70%, and 4 hours of scattered light per day can significantly reduce the incidence of pests. Applying Bacillus subtilis to the roots monthly can enhance disease resistance and improve the rhizosphere microecology.
Physical Barriers
Installing a 60-mesh anti-insect net at the ventilation openings and covering the surface of the potting soil with 2cm of diatomite can effectively block the oviposition paths of adult pests. Combined with yellow sticky traps for monitoring, it is possible to预警 pest occurrences 7-10 days in advance.
By establishing a three-level protection system of 'prevention-monitoring-control', combined with biological control and physical control methods, the incidence of pests on cinnabar root can be reduced by more than 80%. It is recommended to conduct systematic inspections every quarter, focusing on hidden areas such as the back of leaves and tender shoots, to ensure early detection and treatment for the healthy growth of the plant.