What does aphid look like on an apple tree and how to deal with it?

Aphids are a fairly common problem for apple orchard owners. Fortunately, a large number of products - from ready-made chemicals to folk remedies - allows you to successfully fight these pests.

Aphids on an apple tree tend to appear in large numbers, focusing on the top of the tree. With an increase in the number of individuals and the appearance of wings in them, they move to other trees, shrubs and plants, and also begin to descend. On the apple tree, green aphids, red-gall, black and blood aphids are most often found. Some of them prefer only one crop, while others parasitize other plants as well. The more insects, the more the tree suffers, unable to fully develop and give new shoots, as well as constantly losing nutrients.

To begin with, the life of the apple aphid consists of several stages. At first, females lay eggs, the shade of which changes from light green to almost black. From them wingless founders hatch, which transform into wingless virgins of two types - with and without wings.

The prolific green apple aphid looks like a miniature yellow-green insect, the body size of which is barely 2 millimeters. In addition to apple trees, the pest spoils pears, quince, mountain ash and some other crops. As the parasite multiplies rapidly, its attacks inflict heavy crop damage. The apples themselves are covered with reddish specks, the leaves curl, and the shoots are bent.

The red-gall aphid is even smaller - about 1.6 millimeters. The brownish-green insect is covered with white hairs and decorated with black transverse stripes. The insect damages mainly leaf plates and fruits. Under the influence of red gall aphids, swellings, called galls, appear on the surface.

The gray aphid with a dark gray body and a black head mainly attacks mature trees.. Its effect is concentrated on the reverse side of the leaf blades.

Black aphids are insects that range in color from dirty green and dark blue to black. With the help of the proboscis, they draw out the juice of young leaves and fruits, as a result of which the condition of the plant deteriorates significantly.

Having crushed the blood aphids, you can see a bright red speck - hence the name. The egg-shaped creature is colored in a rich orange hue. The parasite prefers to feed on young shoots, cuttings and stalks, leaving behind deep wounds through which infections later enter.

The fact that aphids have appeared on apple trees can be guessed by several external signs. You should be wary if dark red spots begin to form on the leaves, slightly swelling over the plate. Further, the tissue that the pest eats gradually curls up in a tube, darkens and gradually dries up. In addition, the fact that the aphid attacked the plant is indicated by the appearance of a sticky substance on the surface that attracts ants.Finally, right on the cuttings, shoots and stalks, as well as on the back of the leaves, with the naked eye, you can observe a huge number of small creatures, the color of which differs depending on the variety, the shoots grow crooked, and the tops of trees are deformed.

By the way, the activity of this pest usually starts at the top. Gradually, little food becomes aphid, so insects descend to the lower tiers. In general, the presence of the insect is more quickly detected on seedlings or young branches. Due to the small size, any changes are immediately visible. It is better to fight them before the beginning of not only flowering, but also the formation of buds. If the parasites attack during the period of fruit formation, the fight against them is carried out immediately.

Before deciding on the method of full-fledged pest control, you can try to remove the creatures already present on the apple tree. This measure is not effective enough, since it does not prevent re-infection, but it is still worth using mechanical treatment. You can remove aphids from a tree by flushing by applying a pressure of water from a hose to the infected areas. The disadvantage of this method is the preservation of the life of insects and their further return. Affected branches and leaves are best cut off immediately and must be burned. At the same time, however, it is important to remember that too much pruning can harm the culture.

Finally, small parasites can simply be removed by hand. This is done, of course, with gloves, the insects themselves are destroyed. Such treatment will help with small damage to the plant, as well as in cases where the population should be reduced for more serious measures.

You can get rid of aphids on an apple tree with the help of insecticides, safer biological products, or folk remedies.

The use of chemicals allows you to permanently destroy pests, and they, as a rule, die either immediately or a few hours after spraying the poison. They should be used in accordance with the instructions, observing a number of simple rules. It is better to spray the solution on the tree in dry and calm weather. The chemicals, however, will work after rain, but the effect will be greater if they are not washed off with water. It is necessary to work in a protective mask, goggles and gloves. Long-sleeved sweatshirts and trousers with matching pant legs should be washed immediately after the procedure.

It is most convenient to spray an apple tree from a garden spray bottle. It is wiser to spray the remnants of the product on the neighboring trees, and rinse the device itself thoroughly, making sure that toxic substances do not end up in water bodies. The movement of the spray gun must occur from the bottom up in order to process the back side of the leaf blades. If the insecticide gets on the fruits, then the following has to be done: leave them on the branches for a couple of weeks, and then rinse thoroughly. Chemicals are not allowed to be used while the tree is in bloom. If this happens, the bees will die, which means that pollination will not occur, and the apples will not appear.

The diluted drug is used immediately or throughout the day. Leaving it for later will lead to a decrease in efficiency. Experts also recommend that when aphids return, alternate insecticides so that the pest does not develop immunity to the same substance.

You can fight against aphids, as well as caterpillars and snails with the help of Nitrafen. Spraying carried out in early spring will also serve as the prevention of some diseases. The drug is marketed in the format of a brown paste, which must be diluted in water. Usually, 10 liters of liquid have to be used for 200 grams of the substance.

It will be possible to quickly kill the parasite by using the "Oleocobrite". It contains petroleum oil, which causes irreparable harm to insects. To achieve maximum efficiency, the concentration of the solution should reach 4%, that is, 400 grams of the product is diluted in 10 liters of water. To save the apple tree will help and "Kinmix", belonging to the group of preparations of contact-intestinal action. Aphids die within a few hours after spraying, along with caterpillars, ants and other pests. Each ampoule of the drug requires 10 liters of water.

Numerous pests can be removed using Iskra. The drug is available in the form of tablets, each of which dissolves in a liter of water. After straining, the concentrated solution is diluted with another 4 liters of water. As a rule, to remove aphids, a double treatment is required with an interval of 2-3 weeks.

Cypermethrin can be purchased in the form of tablets or a water-soluble solution. The isomers present in the composition rapidly destroy aphids, paralyzing both larvae and adults. Its significant advantages are a long-term effect of about 30 days, as well as resistance to high temperatures and sunlight.

"Karbofos" acts immediately after the treatment of the culture. Its effect lasts about 14 days, which can be called a pretty good result. The main working component of the drug is malathion.

"Decis" copes with many pests due to the contact-intestinal action. The pest dies 12 hours after treatment. The drug is sold in sachets containing 1 gram of powder, which is diluted in 20 liters of water. The protection of the apple tree lasts for a month.

Another proven drug is called "Inta-Vir", which works due to the contained cypermethrin. The drug, finding itself in the body of an insect, leads to its paralysis and, accordingly, death. Inta-Vir is available in the form of tablets, each of which is diluted in 10 liters of liquid. Its action lasts for 14 days.

Good results are obtained due to the use of the drug "Karate"which is marketed in the form of a water-soluble liquid. Every 250 grams is diluted in 10 liters of water, after which spraying is organized in calm weather.

A universal biological product for getting rid of aphids is Fitoverm... The drug is sold either in ampoules or as a solution. Fitoverm, which is safe for flora, gets into the insect's organism and causes its paralysis.

Numerous folk remedies are best used at the initial stage of the defeat of culture. Single lesions should be treated purposefully, and full spraying should be used as a prophylaxis. Many gardeners prefer to protect apple orchards with ammonia. As a rule, a standard bottle is diluted in 15 liters of water, and processing is carried out either early in the morning or late in the evening. An interesting result can be achieved by using baking soda... To prepare a medicinal solution, 10 tablespoons of the powder are mixed with 10 liters of soapy water. When spraying, it is important to avoid excessive contact with the homemade insecticide on leaves and branches, otherwise the development of the tree will slow down.

From the available means for fighting aphids, a variety of spices with a bright and rich aroma are suitable. Gardeners prefer to prepare solutions based on pepper, cinnamon, clove, or anise.Typically, 200 grams of spices are combined with 10 liters of freshly boiled water. After stirring the mixture and letting it brew for a day, you can proceed to spraying.

A slightly different recipe applies when using hot chili... In this case, 200 grams of pods are filled with a couple of liters of water. Everything is boiled for about 30 minutes and infused for two days, after which the concentrated solution is diluted with water in a ratio of 1: 7. In the presence of dried pepper, the concentration will have to be reduced by 2 times.

Laundry soap is considered a universal folk insecticide due to the presence of caproic acid in the composition. A block weighing 300 grams is rubbed with fine shavings, after which it is combined with 2 liters of hot water. The mixture is stirred until the particles are dissolved and diluted with 8 liters of water.

The use of tobacco dust or even a couple of packs of cigarettes will give a good effect. After pouring the main component into a bucket, pour boiling water over it and let it cool naturally. Having filtered the solution, clearing it from cigarette packages, it is necessary to supplement the composition with the same amount of pure water. In windy weather, you can also fumigate the apple orchard by lighting a fire and throwing tobacco dust into it.

Having chopped the cloves of a large head of ripe garlic, it is necessary to pour the mass with a liter of boiling water and let it brew for 24 hours. The filtered solution is supplemented with 8 liters of water, 30 grams of soap suds and 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil. You can wash the plant by hand with the liquid or use it for spraying.

Celandine against aphids can be used in several ways. The first involves dusting the affected areas with powder from crushed dry branches mixed with water. Usually 200 grams of celandine has 5 liters of water. Without adding water, the powder is suitable for rubbing the affected leaf blades.

You can also prepare a tincture from celandine. For this the fifth part of the bucket will have to be filled with dried leaves and stems, after which everything is poured with 5 liters of boiling water. After insisting the solution for about 30 minutes, you will need to strain it and pour another 5 liters of clean water. The finished insecticide is suitable for spraying and watering young shoots. Finally, fresh celandine can be simply tied to apple branches.

Ash copes with insects very quickly without harming the culture itself. To do this, 3 kilograms of powder can be mixed with 5 liters of boiling water and insisted for 2 days. The filtered solution is supplemented with 3 tablespoons of liquid soap or soap shavings.

For another option, one and a half kilograms of ash are combined with 150 grams of soap shavings and filled with 10 liters of freshly boiled liquid. After daily infusion and straining, 10 drops of lavender essential oil are added to the homemade insecticide.

Finally, ash can be mixed with makhorka in a 1 to 1 ratio and poured with boiling water so that there is a liter of water for 200 grams of dry product. The mixture of ingredients is also infused for 24 hours and filtered.

Performs well mustard, not only destroying existing individuals, but also scaring off new ones. The easiest way is to scatter the powder over the area, and also use it to rub the leaf blades.

It is worth preparing a spray solution from 100 grams of mustard and a liter of water. After mixing and daily infusion, the mixture will need to be diluted with water in a ratio of 1:20.

The infusion of onion peels is characterized by a very specific aroma that aphids do not like. To prepare it, 200 grams of the main ingredient are poured with 10 liters of water and infused for about 5 days.The strained mixture can be used immediately to save apple trees. Quite unusual is the recipe that requires the use of "Coca-Cola" containing phosphoric acid in the composition. The solution is prepared from soda and water, taken in a 1: 7 ratio.

Table vinegar or apple cider vinegar is also good for aphid control. The first one must be diluted in a proportion of 1 teaspoon of the substance per liter of water, and the second - 1-2 tablespoons of the drug per 10 liters of water. To enhance the action, soap shavings are also added to the composition.

Suitable for work and Birch tar. Half a bar of tar soap will need to be grated, mixed with a tablespoon of tar, and filled with a liter of boiling water. Before spraying, the mixture is supplemented with 10 liters of water.

Boric acid destroys not only aphids, but also ants. Every 2 grams of powder is diluted in a liter of water. Finally, it is also recommended to use an infusion of tomato or potato tops. It is prepared as follows: 400-500 grams of fresh green mass are finely chopped and poured with the same amount of water.

To process an apple tree from aphids at different times of the year should be with slight differences. In spring, young trees are examined for pests. When buying seedlings "from the outside", it is better to spray with a weak solution of potassium permanganate, supplemented with soap shavings. At this stage, it is not recommended to poison the pest with chemicals, as this can negatively affect the further development of the apple tree. At this time, adult trees can already be watered with an insecticide that destroys the larvae, but after flowering it is recommended to limit yourself to folk remedies.

At the beginning of summer, fruit ovary usually occurs, during which it makes sense to carry out a couple of treatments. Active growth of fruits continues during June-July, and during this period, gardeners prefer to spray the trees a couple of times as a preventive measure, usually after each rain.

During fruiting, one or two disinfections are carried out, but it is important to remember that the use of chemicals can poison the fruits and impair their development. To save plantings, it is better to use tobacco dust, soda or mustard powder. When processing, special attention is paid to the top of the tree, where the insect nests.

Before wintering, apple trees are again processed from larvae. The dead part of the trunk is cleaned off with a special brush, after which all the remnants of the bark are burned.

An important component of protecting apple trees from aphids is the timely implementation of preventive measures. Purchased seedlings must be examined before planting, especially the foliage of young trees. Only healthy specimens should be used outdoors. To protect the garden not only from aphids, but also from other pests, preventive spraying should be carried out in early spring. Since the eggs of the parasite can easily tolerate low winter temperatures, they hibernate just before the appearance of the first leaves. If you carry out the procedure at this time, then you can get rid of the problem without harming the plant.

A good solution would be to attract birds that feed on aphids to the site, as well as plant fragrant herbs and plants, either attracting ladybirds or scaring away aphids themselves. So, planting next to the apple tree is feverfew. It contains pyrethrin, which destroys the insect's nervous system. Lavender is also good, as its essential oils and strong fragrances will distract the pest. Aphids will also not like the specific smell of calendula, garlic and marigolds.

As for birds, you will have to attract tits, sparrows, robins and starlings. It is most convenient to do this with the help of feeders, drinkers with water and birdhouses.Lacewing and aphid-eating ladybugs "come" to waterproof houses made of natural materials, filled with straw and wood shavings.

It is important to regularly weed weeds, in which insects hibernate, as well as to carry out balanced feeding of the crop. This pest is not able to bite through dense leaf plates, and therefore reproduces only on weakened shoots. However, it should not be forgotten that an excess of nitrogen, on the contrary, attracts the insect and contributes to its rapid reproduction. Periodically, it makes sense to use folk remedies: irrigate trees with solutions and fumigate with dry mixtures. Experts also recommend that you carefully monitor the condition of the bark and clean it before hibernation.