APHIDS

Controlling Aphids: Homemade Aphid Spray Recipes and Tips

Jassid is a sucking pest occurring throughout the crop growing period on cotton in all the zones. The pest injects toxins into leaves while feeding which results in abnormal changes in leaves - marginal chlorosis and reddening. Since the pest severity is dependent on the occurrence of congenial weather conditions, we have devised weather based rules for weekly prediction of the pest severity. Based on severity prediction (based on ETL), pest management interventions and sprays can be taken up taking into account parameters such as pesticide efficacy, safety, spray interval (a gap of 7-15 days is advised between sprays), crop age and economics.

Vinegar

Castile soap is a versatile all-natural, vegetable-based liquid soap with olive and mineral oil as the main ingredients. When combined with vinegar and water, Castile makes a DIY natural aphid spray. The vinegar deters future garden pests from invading your new growth.

Neem Oil

Pure and organic Neem oil can be used to repel aphids, cabbage worms, other pests, as well as help control any fungi they transfer into your garden. Simply mix Neem oil for plants with a quart of water.

Once you dilute the Neem oil, use a garden hose sprayer to mist your garden with the mixture in the early morning. Neem oil doesn’t have any harmful effects on beneficial insects, but it does help in repelling aphids, mosquitoes, and other pests.

Garlic Oil Spray

Garlic isn’t just used to repel vampires. The sulfur in garlic is toxic to pests. It also kills ladybugs and other beneficial insects. For that reason, this garlic-based natural aphid spray should only be used if you don’t have any essential bugs in your garden.