Fight against aphids

Aphids are among the most common plant-eating insects in vegetable gardens. Measuring between 1 and 7 mm, these piercing-sucking insects come in a variety of colors: white, yellow-green, red, and black, and are sometimes quite difficult to see! Thousands of species exist: approximately 4,000 are listed worldwide! By feeding on the sap circulating in the leaves, stems, and flowers, they weaken the plant, disrupt their growth, and cause deformation of the leaves, which become curled and curled. They often produce a sticky substance called honeydew, which promotes the development of sooty mold, a black fungus that affects the plant's photosynthesis. Some transmit viruses that seriously affect plants. They tend to colonize the tips of twigs, flower buds, and the undersides of leaves. Aphids, like many insects, shed their skin. They are found accumulating on infested plants. Aphids sometimes have complex developmental life cycles involving several successive host plants. Depending on the species, they can affect only a few plants or, on the contrary, be capable of attacking a large number of plant species. Which plants are mainly attacked by aphids? Practically all plants can be affected, ornamental plants, vegetable plants, fruit trees, greenhouse plants... How to control aphids? Sow an anti-aphid mixture as a preventative measure to protect sensitive crops. Aphids have many natural enemies such as ladybugs, lacewings, hoverflies, midges, and parasitic wasps. Some are available for biological control methods in greenhouses. Outdoors, the damage caused by aphids is often too significant for their natural enemies to act in sufficient numbers to control this invasion. Pinch the shoots. Aphids tend to colonize the undersides of young leaves, flower buds, and the tips of branches. When you see a colony established in one of these areas, pinch the plant and get rid of the infected plant fragment. Spray a black soap solution at the first sign of attacks. Also try a garlic infusion, or a peppermint or nettle manure. Spray a natural pyrethrum insecticide as a last resort. Use an ant repellent on fruit trees. Be careful when using these products. Flowers should not be sprayed; pollinating insects could be endangered.