[gardeners] aphids by the thousands
byron bromley (gardeners@globalgarden.com)
Tue, 10 Apr 2001 09:09:55 -0400
Because of the reproductive cycle of the aphid, aka 200 eggs per female
every 2 weeks, you will need to spray
at least weekly to keep the voulme down.
You should spray everything that grows
not just 1 or 2 plants.
Aphids are a contant problem from spring thaw to first freeze and beyond..
Might suggest starting with 1 tbsp of baby shampoo per gal of water ( a
little milder than Murphy's)
Apply weekly for about 6 weeks.
This is to get the bulk of the problem.
Then start with neem, This is a reproductive interruptor.
Just don't stop the battle, They can fly 150ft on a windless day, a 5 mph
breeze can bring in a bunch from next door.
One of the best aphid recductions is very simple. Reduced applications of
Nitrogen.
Example: Per NMSU the ideal nitrogen for a tomato is 2.5, when you apply
15-30-15 this is 5x more nitrogen than the plant needs. Aphids love this..
You will have a big reduction in aphids just by fertilizing with a N = 3 or
4
If you switch from hi to low, it may take 6 to 8 weeks for the current high
to leach out.
Byron
Despite all our accomplishments, humanity owes its existence to a six
inch layer of topsoil and the fact that it rains.