[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.