Last updated on October 23rd, 2023 at 08:38 pm
Aphids on the apple tree? That can make you lose your appetite for the fruit. But don’t worry, there are effective remedies.
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Aphids do not travel alone
As soon as the apple tree blossoms and the first fruits begin to ripen, the aphids are not long in coming. They hatch from eggs, multiply rapidly and colonize the fresh buds, shoot tips and leaves to feed on the sweet plant sap.
Soon the first traces appear, which the pests leave behind when sucking with their proboscis. When they are full, they excrete from the sap, leaving behind the typical sticky coating called honeydew.
Successfully control the pests on the apple tree
If the infestation of aphids is within limits, spraying with a powerful jet of water can already help. If severe damage has already occurred to the apple tree parts, it is often necessary to cut them off together with the crawlers.
To combat the pests, the trade sells various natural remedies, which are made with rapeseed oil or potash soap. To brew a useful remedy yourself, a solution of one part soft soap or dishwashing liquid and about 10 parts water is suitable. This mixture is applied to the affected areas with a spray bottle. The effect is aimed at clogging the respiratory organs of the lice and eventually suffocate them. Before starting the measure, the natural predators, for example ladybugs, should be collected. If pest control is completely omitted, it can severely harm the apple tree. For example, it happens that aphids are infected with viruses and through them cause the spread of serious diseases.
Prevention is the best defense
If the plant attracts natural enemies such as ladybugs, ichneumon flies, hover flies, lacewings, birds and other beneficial insects, the garden is filled with life and the pest infestation is controlled. The prerequisites are the absence of a chemical club, the planting of mixed crops and the installation of nesting sites and insect houses.
Excessive colonization of aphids can also be an indication of immunodeficiency of the plant. A lush application of compost or mulch will help the apple tree’s defenses. To prevent aphids from visiting the fruit tree, a sprouting spray can help. As soon as the new leaf tips flourish and the buds swell, spray the woody plant with a special spray.