Pests and insects are invasive creatures. Not only do they prevent the growth of plants, but can cause several plant issues, including stunted growth, damaged foliage, and sometimes even plant death. This article sheds light on the potential harm these intruders can have on plant health and ways in which gardeners can get rid of them effectively.
Some several species and organisms depend on plants for survival. While many of these organisms are beneficial to the environment and plant health, some pose a serious threat to the crops.
Pollinators like bees and butterflies, for example, help cross-pollinate, which triggers the plants to produce food. Similarly, dung beetles, worms, ants, termites, etc., play a significant role in the plant ecosystem. While some help creates an environment suitable for composting, others help recycle and amend soil for better plant growth.
There are some that can cause significant damage to the plants. Pests such as mealybugs, spider mites, vine borers, and whiteflies are voracious feeders that feed on the energy contents and can quickly adapt to changing environmental conditions and easily populate. If left unchecked, these pests and their larvae can not only cause plant damage but also spread viral, fungal, and plant bacterial infections.
These pests can cause:
Stunted Growth
Pests and insects are known to target the most delicate and vulnerable parts of the plants, including stems, leaves, buds and roots. Pesky bugs like aphids, whiteflies, leafhoppers and scales feed on plant tissues and sap, depriving them of essential nutrients and stunting their overall growth.
Foliage Damage
Caterpillars and a variety of beetle species feed voraciously on leaves, resulting in unsightly holes, discolouration, and premature leaf drop. It destroys lush vegetation and impairs the plant's vitality by interfering with its ability to photosynthesis and produce food.
Disease Transmission
Plants are extremely vulnerable to diseases. Pathogens, viruses, and fungi attack the plants and can have a significant impact on its growth. Pests and harmful insects act as carriers for plant diseases. By transmitting harmful pathogens from one plant to another, they can cause severe damage to the plants, resulting in major plant diseases such as leaf curl, mottling, wilting, rotting, and even plant death.
Several conditions make for a suitable breeding ground for diseases and attract pests and harmful insects to the plants. However, armed with proper knowledge and techniques, gardeners can protect their plants from further damage.
Identify Pests
Before going all out on pest control and sprays, it is important to identify the pests that have infested the plant. As mentioned above, several bugs and insects are beneficial for the environment and can protect plants from other pests. Also, because different pests require different control methods, correctly identifying them can help choose the most effective method.
Insecticides & Pesticides
Pesticides and insecticides have proven to be beneficial plant protectors over the years. Not only do they have the ability to protect the crops from pest infestation but increase crop output as well. In situations when natural and organic pest control methods fail in commercial agricultural applications, insecticides such as cypermethrin, pyriproxyfen, fipronil and such are considered indispensable tools.
Companion Planting
A great way to let your garden take care of itself is by including plants that can deter pests. Certain plants have properties that either invite beneficial insects or repel harmful insects. Planting asters, chrysanthemums, marigolds, basil, or lavender alongside your vulnerable plants can help deter pests and create a balanced ecosystem.
No matter what types of plants they are growing, gardeners will eventually find themselves needing to do some pest control. And as gardeners become more aware of the impact of good and bad insects, it gets easier to control them and maintain plant health.