Currant berries are so tasty that they attract not only people. Aphids and ants are also happy to have such bushes in the garden. Small harmful insects feed on the juice of berries, multiplying at lightning speed. To ensure that vitamin berries go to your family, and not to several generations of aphids, use certain control methods.
Fight against aphids on currants: features
Each type of bug is adapted to life on a certain plant. Aphids, doomed to live on currant bushes, will not be able to harm other bushes or trees. But on the other hand, currants will get it hard - aphids have a short life expectancy, but this only means a greater number of new generations per season. Insects breed most actively in summer. At this time, the aphid feeds on the leaves of the plants surrounding the bush, for example, thistle or chicory. And by autumn, the bugs attack the currant itself in order to lay eggs in the buds of the bushes. In the spring, such buds will stand out among others for their size. On blackcurrant, the appearance of the shoots themselves changes from the impact of aphids, since insects also feed on them. Such parasites are sometimes called gooseberry shoots, as theycan also live on gooseberry bushes. So, shoots infected with aphids will be uneven and unhe althy, the leaves on them will be twisted, and the aphids will be visible to the naked eye. Another variety of parasites lives on red currants. This is a red-gall aphid that infects foliage, and hibernates in the twigs of the plant. The leaves of a bush affected by these pests turn brown or yellow, bubbles appear on them, and then they begin to fall off. You can judge the infection of aphids not only by the leaves.
If parasites are not visible in the spring, look for other insects, such as ants, which serve as carriers of larvae. A large number of ants is a signal that the fight against aphids on currants should begin as soon as possible. Ladybugs, on the contrary, will serve as a good sign. Aphids and ladybugs are the worst enemies, as the larvae of the parasites serve as food for the bright red bugs beloved by children.
Basic Fighting Techniques
Like many other insects, aphids dislike certain smells. Therefore, the fight against aphids on currants can be carried out with the help of agents that have a powerful effect on pests, but are completely harmless to berries. Such a remedy is an infusion of tobacco, orange peels or garlic can be used. A nutshell will also do - a sharp, repulsive smell for aphids will drive insects from the bushes.
The red gall variety can be de alt with by simply removing affected buds and sprouts if there are not too many of them. Be sure to burn the affected plants,otherwise the aphid will return to a he althy bush. If the infestation is more severe, spray the bush with an organic solution. It can be an infusion of garlic, yarrow or tobacco. The fight against aphids on currants should start at the time of the appearance of the kidneys, since it is at this moment that the larvae begin to appear. The underside of the leaves should be sprayed most carefully, as these insects prefer shade. To ensure a longer lasting effect, try to get rid of aphid carriers - ants. An anthill found on the site can be poured with boiling water so that the army of ants does not harm, spreading harmful larvae.
