How and how to deal with aphids on pepper in a greenhouse and open ground

Sweet bell pepper has long been one of the crops that are very popular in our country. It is grown both in open ground and in greenhouse conditions. And quite often summer residents have to deal with the fact that the beds with pepper are striking aphid. This small pest eats the sap of plants, resulting in a slowdown in their growth, withering, and sometimes even death of the bush. Therefore, the question of how to deal with aphids on pepper seedlings worries many gardeners.

Why does aphid attack pepper

Aphids on bell peppers appear because the fruits of this plant are very juicy and for the most part consist of water. The consequence of this pest is attack of ants. They are attracted by the pad - a favorite delicacy that gives off aphids. As a result, the pepper leaves begin to deform and wither, it is possible that the seedlings may even become unsuitable for harvesting.

What types of aphids live on pepper

In nature, there are several varieties of this insect, however, green and black aphids pose a great threat to seedlings. These tiny midges not only “dry” the plants, but also secrete a pad, which contributes to the development of sooty fungi. This kind of mold causes serious damage to the bush of pepper.

Signs of the presence of aphids

The following symptoms may indicate that aphids appeared on pepper seedlings:

• yellowing, twisting and falling of leaves;
• the buds are not tied, but the grown inflorescences are crumbled;
• plants are covered with a viscous liquid (pad), from which the surface gains shine and stickiness;
• the presence on the back of the leaf plate of egg masonry and adults.

On a note!

Attacks of aphid colonies are not without a trace: infected seedlings grow poorly and develop. To prevent the spread of the pest, it is necessary to take timely measures to control aphids on peppers.

Methods of struggle

There are various methods to combat aphids on pepper:

• chemical method;
• the use of folk remedies;
• biological method.

Biological method

The biological method of fighting aphids on peppers is to attract natural enemies: birds (sparrows, tits, hemp or kings), as well as beneficial insects (ladybugs, lacewings or flower girls).

On a note!

It is well-attracted to beneficial insects by abundantly flowering and fragrant plants such as nettle, chamomile, marigolds, parsley, yarrow or lavender. Gardeners with experience recommend planting mint, coriander or garlic next to pepper seedlings.

There are also special biological compositions created on the basis of extracts from herbs. These are highly effective and absolutely safe for human health preparations of a new generation. These include: drug Fitoverm, Acarin or Boverin.

Folk remedies

Many gardeners prefer to use folk remedies for aphids.They are good both for processing plants in the greenhouse, and in the open ground.

Laundry soap

Will help destroy aphids on pepper soap solution, which is done in a proportion of 5 g of laundry soap per 1 liter of water. It is insisted for at least 5 hours, after which it is filtered and used to spray bushes or wipe leaves. To achieve maximum effect, such treatment of pepper from aphids is carried out at least 3-4 times.

Ash

Helping aphids will help ash infusion (2 cups of the product are diluted in a bucket of water and 100 g of soapy solution are added). The mixture is ready for use after 24 hours.

A mixture of ash and tobacco dust is effective against aphids. 50 g of each component is mixed with 2 l of water.

Spruce needles

What to do if aphids appeared on peppers and eggplant. You can get rid of the pest with the help of spruce essence, which is intended for use both indoors and outdoors. 500 g of needles are infused in 2 liters of water for 7 days. When applying 40 g of the obtained essence is diluted in 1 liter of water and sprayed with pepper seedlings. Similar properties have infusions based on garlic and yarrow.

Soda

Another folk recipe for aphids using soda. In 1 liter of water it is necessary to dissolve 40 g of laundry soap and 1 tbsp. l soda. The solution does not need to be insisted, it is immediately ready for use.

Mustard

Dry mustard (30 g) is brewed in 0.5 l of water and insisted for 3 days. So much liquid is added to the resulting solution so that the total volume reaches 10 liters.

Ammonia

No less popular ammonia from aphids. It is effective due to the fact that it has an irritating effect on the respiratory system, causing paralysis in insects. The tool also affects the digestive system of insects, causing burns to the mucosa, cramps and painful death.

To prepare the solution, you need 2 tbsp. l ammonia, 1 tbsp. l liquid soap (dishwashing detergent) and 10 liters of water. The prepared solution is used in a similar manner.

Ammonia

Ammonia from aphids also has a good effect. Its specific smell repels insects. In addition to protecting plants from pests, it also restores soil fertility and serves as an excellent fertilizer for plants.

On a note!

A solution containing the following ingredients will help get rid of aphids on pepper: 50 g of grated laundry soap, the same amount of ammonia and 10 l of water. The solution is sprayed with beds affected by the pest.

Hydrogen peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide from aphids - the same effective tool against pests. A solution based on it irrigate the leaves and stalks of pepper. In addition, hydrogen peroxide is used to treat greenhouses as a means of preventing mold.

To prepare the solution, mix 50 ml of hydrogen peroxide, 2 tbsp. l alcohol, 3 drops of dishwashing detergent and 900 ml of water. This mixture is prepared immediately before use.

Other means

Other folk remedies are also popular from aphids:

• milk and iodine;
• Coca Cola;
• vinegar;
• garlic;
• celandine;
• vodka;
• Green soap;
• Birch tar;
• tobacco;
• boric acid.

Chemicals

Pests attack the beds not only in open ground. Aphids also start on peppers in the greenhouse, despite the fact that the structure contributes to a certain isolation of seedlings. A humid and warm microclimate in such structures creates a favorable environment for the spread of pests.

And if the application of the above methods does not allow aphids to be removed from pepper, then in such situations come to the rescue chemicals. They are most effective in controlling harmful insects. Sometimes just one treatment is enough to completely get rid of aphids on peppers. However, do not forget that because of its toxicity, insecticidal preparations are not recommended for use at home.

The question of how to treat peppers from aphids arises in those who have aphids for the first time attacked seedlings.The following products are in great demand among gardeners:

• Karbofos is a potent insecticide designed to control insect pests. A solution is prepared from it (for 10 liters of water 1 tbsp. L. Of the drug), with which infected seedlings are sprayed.
• Fufanon is an insecticide with a wide spectrum of action. It effectively fights against pests of vegetable and fruit plantations: aphids, ticks, whiteflies, moths, moths, etc. The solution is sprayed with seedlings in calm and dry weather. It is prepared at the rate of 1 ampoule (5 ml) for 1-2 liters of water.
• Actara drug - a chemical agent designed to treat plants in the early stages of vegetation. A pesticide is sprayed twice with pepper with an interval of 7 days. After half an hour from the moment of processing, the pests refuse food, after a day they die. The drug belongs to the 3rd class of toxicity, in connection with which it is dangerous for other types of insects.
• Fury is another pesticide used to process fruit and vegetable plants. You can not use the drug during flowering.
• Intavir is an insecticidal agent that is effective in combating the moth, Colorado potato beetle, thrips, bedbugs, aphids, sorrel leaf beetle and potato cow. The tablet must be diluted in a bucket of water and spray the pepper with the resulting solution.
• Actellik is an effective preparation of intestinal contact action against flower and garden pests. 1 ampoule is designed for 2 liters of liquid at a flow rate of 10 square meters. m. area.
• Spark.
• Tanrek.

On a note!

You can not use pesticides during the budding period, as well as during the fruiting of peppers. In this case, it is better to use folk remedies.