Re: [gardeners] aphids by the thousands

Margaret Lauterbach (gardeners@globalgarden.com)
Tue, 10 Apr 2001 08:14:28 -0600

Byron, aphids do not lay eggs.  They bear live young, with or without male 
participation. Margaret L


At 09:09 AM 4/10/01 -0400, you wrote:
>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.
>
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