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Root out the troublemakers

Pests and diseases spoil the charm of a lush green garden during the rainy season as these grow rapidly in humid and wet months.

Root out the troublemakers


Amarjeet Batth

Pests and diseases spoil the charm of a  lush green garden during the rainy season as these grow rapidly in humid and wet months.  Flowers suffer the most during this season due to pest attacks. It is, therefore, imperative for a gardener to be vigilant not only about his own garden, but also about the surrounding area,  which can be a breeding ground for these dangerous pests. Immediate remedial measures will be helpful in saving the flowering plant and keeping your garden in top shape. Some of the main pests that you should look out for and eliminate immediately are: 

Blister Beetle

This one is identified by its large size and black and orange/red bands on its body. In our region this bug can be seen from June-July onwards and its population grows manifold during monsoons. Blister beetle attack is not confined to any particular plant; it feeds on almost every flower and finishes it completely. If the size of the garden or kitchen garden is small, then it’s advisable to handpick and eliminate these beetles. If the area is wide and the attack is severe, spray Carbaryl 50% WP or Deltamethrin 2.8 %EC @ 2 gram per litre in water.    

Mealy Bug

It is spotted in warm and humid weather conditions. The males are winged and the females are wingless and attach themselves to the plant and secrete a white powdery waxy substance around it for protection. These are generally seen on the stalk of the flowers sucking the sap of tender parts of the plants. It hibernates in the roots of the host plant for laying eggs, thereafter the nymphs travel upward to the plant. The upward movement can be stopped by using bands of grease or by wrapping thin polythene sheets on the stem of the affected shrub or tree. Chrysanthemum and hibiscus are among the prominent hosts of this pest. It can be eradicated only with the repeated application of Chlorpyrifos 3-4 ml/ litre of water. Repeated application, however, might leave a pungent odour in your garden.  

Leaf Miner

This leaf-mining insect’s females hatch eggs in leaf tissue and the larvae makes irregular galleries/tunnels which are visible as light yellow or light brownish patterns. Peak active period is Feburary-March and September-October. Remove the infected leaves and burn them. Commonly effected plants are Aster, Chrysanthemum, Gerbera, Marigold and Nasturtium. Control by spraying Dimethoate 30% Ec @ 2.5 ml of water.

Bihar hairy caterpillars

These have long slender greenish bodies. In March-April and September-October, it lays eggs in clusters on the leaves. The larvae feeds collectively on chrysanthemum and other flowering plants leaves and devour them completely. In November it attacks gladiolus and marigold. The best way is to remove the infested leave and crush them. Adults can be physically picked up with a plucker and buried in the ground. It can be controlled by spraying Chlorpyrifos or Quinalphos 25 % EC in 2 ml / litre of water.

Aphid

This is yellow, black or light green in colour and feeds on the sap of the tender shoots and buds. Aphid secretes a sticky substance on which black mould is produced and causes spots and makes the plant look ugly. It also attacks chrysanthemum and dianthus. Rose is prominently affected by Red Aphid. Phorate granules should administer around the plants. Disease-free planting material, removal and burning of infested parts is helpful. Small population can be cleared using water jet. Spray Malathion 50% EC 2 ml/litre of water.   

AMERICAN BOLLWORM

This is active during this time  and its larvae is generally seen infesting on roses buds and flower heads, making holes. This pest is also identified as ‘bud borer’. Young larvae feeds on tender leaves and grown up on flower parts. In marigold it is prominent in March and November. Other effected plants are Carnation and Chrysanthemum. Spraying Quinalphos 25 % EC in 2 ml / liter of water.

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