Seedlings grown in an apartment seem to be reliably protected from external threats.
However, the danger often lurks inside: larvae and eggs of pests enter the house with soil, pots or new plants that have not passed quarantine. Dry air, over-humidification or lack of light create ideal conditions for their reproduction.
Daily inspection of seedlings is the key to their survival.
Spider mite
Small yellow spots, thin webbing on the underside of leaves, and drying of shoots indicate that the plants have been attacked by spider mites.
It actively reproduces in low humidity. In a week, a colony can destroy all seedlings.
Increase humidity to 60-70% using a humidifier or water trays. Treat the leaves with a solution of green soap (20 g per 1 l) or tobacco infusion. Apply acaricides (Akarin, Sanmite), spraying the plants on the balcony.
Aphid
Signs of aphid infestation include curled leaves, sticky coating (“honeydew”), and stem deformation.
Aphid colonies attract ants and promote the development of sooty mold.
Remove affected leaves. Treat plants with celandine infusion (100 g dry herb per 1 liter of boiling water, leave for 24 hours). Use bioinsecticides (Bitoxibacillin, Iskra BIO).
Sciarids (fungus gnats)
Small midges over pots, plants wilting without reason, damaged roots are evidence of the presence of sciarids.
The larvae feed on organic matter and roots and are especially dangerous for transplanted seedlings.
Sprinkle the soil with diatomaceous earth - it dehydrates the larvae. Use yellow sticky traps for adult individuals. Pour the soil with the "Thunder-2" solution (strictly according to the instructions).
Mealybug
The pest manifests itself in the form of cotton-like lumps in the leaf axils, yellowing and falling of greenery.
The mealybug's secretions block photosynthesis, leading to the death of the plant.
Wipe the leaves with an alcohol solution (1:4 with water). Treat the soil and plants with "Aktara" (a course of 2-3 sprayings with an interval of a week).
Author: Elena Shimanovskaya