GROWER TIPS: Spraying at the right stage of development is important Print
In late spring/early summer insects and mites start to become active in various crops. Beech aphid being one of them.

Beech aphid, as the name implies, is primarily found on beeches and is one of the more difficult aphids to control. Most crops are now in full foliage and the aphids are starting to spread. As they travel ‘by air’ this means that an infestation can move around quite easily. Once the leaves start curling around the aphids, control becomes very difficult. Beech aphid needs to be controlled when the foliage is still soft, which is why it’s important to achieve good coverage with local, systemic pest control products. Waiting too long will harden and curl the foliage, making beeches less receptive to systemics and preventing proper coverage.

The prime spaying stage

This time of the year is full of nursery activities such as transplanting, weed control, fertilization and so on. These jobs are important, but one shouldn’t let them get in the way of spraying at the right moment for best control.

For this particular pest, the right spraying window is when the wax layer on the leaves is still soft and the pest control solution does not dry too fast. High humidity will help to achieve this. If there is a drying wind prior to spraying the thickness of the wax layer increases and less of the active ingredient is able to enter into the foliage. As a result the systemic action of the chemical is reduced. This is not the fault of the product, rather of the timing of the control method. For beech aphid control a relative humidity above 60% is preferred for optimum results. This is not an easy parameter to judge, but your local weather channel should provide you with relative humidity information in your area.

The other variable to watch is the spray technique. Good coverage is absolutely essential for aphid control. As systemics only work locally on foliage, and will not spread through the woody parts of the plant, back and forth spraying is the best technique to use. This means that a block of trees is first sprayed in one direction and subsequently in the opposite direction. Ensure that you follow manufacturer directions about product to water ratios. Using more than is recommended can burn leaves and create even larger problems then the aphids do in the first place.

And finally, important for all aphid control, regardless of crop is, to repeat the application in 7 to 10 days.

source: “De Boomkwekerij”
 

More articles:

Powered By relatedArticle