Aphids are small insects, the size of which is only a few millimeters. Equipped with a special proboscis, it is capable of piercing individual parts of plants (shoots, leaves). This pest parasitizes on various fruit and berry crops, incl. and currants. How to recognize the "enemy" and how to deal with aphids on currants with folk remedies?
Signs of aphids on currants
You can determine the appearance of aphids on currants by the following criteria:
- deformation of leaves in the form of swelling;
- the appearance on the foliage of multi-colored growths of a rusty or cherry color;
- curvature and growth retardation of young shoots.
In addition, aphids leave honeydew (pad) on the currant foliage. This sweet substance, forming a sticky film, prevents the plant from breathing and developing normally. At the same time, aphids contribute to the development of various fungal diseases.
An alarming sign is the accumulation of ants that have appeared on the currant bushes. It is they who settle small pests on plants - aphids.
How to get rid of aphids on currants without chemicals
In the age of development of the chemical industry, there is no problem to resist garden pests using special preparations. However, this method of struggle is not always acceptable. During the period of fruit ovary and ripening of the crop, it will be safer to use proven folk remedies.
Wood ash
In 3 liters of water dissolve 2 glasses of ash and 1 tbsp. l. liquid detergent. After straining the cooled mixture, you can spray the currants. Spraying this product will give a double effect: it will scare away aphids and serve as a fertilizer for the plant.
Soap solution
In 1 liter of hot water, dissolve 50 g of laundry soap grated on a grater, 1 tbsp. l. mustard powder and 1 tbsp. l. tea soda. For spraying 1 glass of infusion, add 1 bucket of water.
Soda ash
Dissolve 1 tbsp in 1 liter of warm water. l. soda and 1 tbsp. l. dishwashing detergents. The resulting solution can be used almost instantly, as soon as the components are completely dissolved in water.
Alternative remedies
A good effect is given by spraying currant bushes with infusions of various herbs. These are usually bitter or pungent-smelling plants. These funds can be considered the most environmentally friendly, because they do not contain harmful substances.
Tobacco leaves or tobacco dust
100 g of dry tobacco leaves (dust) are poured with 1 liter of boiling water. The tool should be infused for 12 to 24 hours. The finished mixture is added to water at the rate of 1 cup of infusion per 1 bucket of water.
Garlic
200 g of garlic is infused in 10 liters of water during the day. It is not necessary to dilute the finished infusion before processing the currants.
Bitter capsicum
100 g of chopped peppers are poured into 1 liter of boiling water. You need to insist in a tightly sealed container. After 2 days, the infusion is filtered and diluted in water (100 ml / 1 l) before use.
Potato tops
Chopped potato tops at the rate of 1: 2 are poured with boiling water.The mixture should be infused for 2 days, after which it can be used. A similar remedy can be prepared from the tops of tomatoes and physalis.
Celandine
200 g of celandine herb is insisted in 1 bucket of water for 2 hours. The composition is filtered before use. The herb has the strongest effect during the flowering period.
A good deterrent effect is provided by tinctures of onion husks (feathers), citrus peel, flowers and leaves of marigolds, yarrow, wormwood and tansy.
For the good development of currant bushes and augmentation of the yield, it is important to timely detect (or prevent) the appearance of aphids. Folk remedies will help not only fight aphids on currants, but also carry out prevention.
