Aphids are black or green, small insects. By sucking the juice of plants, the cause slow growth. Virus diseases can be transmitted by aphids, too.
Living environment
Aphids live in colonies. In sunshine, they shelter to remain under the leaves. When aphids are fully grown, some get wings to spread further. Aphids secrete sweet liquid. This liquid is called honeydew. Ants feed on honeydew and can be also found on the leaves. With ash you can hardening the leaves. The aphids can no longer suck juice from the leaves. Aphids infect mainly beans and vegetables. Other crops can be mustard, cabbage and beet leaf.
Control aphids
Make a regular field inspection to identify aphids. Kill the aphids by pressing them with your fingers. Apply the cool ash in the morning, so that the dew makes it stick to the leaves. Use the ashes of rice straw or wood. Don‘t use ashes of banana leaves, mustard, bamboo and tree leaves, the vegetable leaves can‘ t handle them.
You can also use soap water. Dissolve soap in water until it foams. Spray it once a day for 3 days. Use neem solution for aphid control. Mix 2 kg of crushed neem leaves and 16 litres of water. Spray once a day for 3 days.
Plant sesame and mustard plants near your field. Ladybeetles will be attracted and eat the aphids.
