Eggplants, with their rich taste and rich composition, occupy a special place in the hearts of vegetable lovers.
However, the path from a small seed to a lush bush covered with purple fruits can be thorny.
Enemies lie in wait for young plants at every step, and the main ones are pests.
Enemy number one: Colorado potato beetle
The Colorado potato beetle is a real scourge for eggplants, especially young ones.
Its voracious larvae can destroy foliage in a matter of days, leaving behind only bare stems. How can we fight this voracious enemy?
Hand picking: This method is the most environmentally friendly and effective in small areas. Armed with gloves and a bucket of soapy water, carefully inspect the plants and collect the beetles and larvae.
Biological products: there are many biological products on the market that are safe for humans and the environment, but harmful to the Colorado potato beetle. For example, "Bitoxibacillin" or "Fitoverm".
Folk remedies: some gardeners prefer to use time-tested folk recipes. An infusion of garlic, onion or wormwood repels beetles with its smell.
Aphids: small but mighty
Aphids are another common pest of eggplants. These small insects suck the juices from the plants, which leads to slow growth, deformation of leaves and fruits.
Soap solution: a simple and effective remedy for fighting aphids. Dissolve laundry soap in water and spray the plants.
Tobacco infusion: the smell of tobacco repels aphids. Pour tobacco dust with water, let it brew and spray the plants.
Ladybugs: Attract ladybugs, aphids' natural enemies, to your yard. Plant plants that attract these beneficial insects, such as dill or yarrow.
Slugs: Night Gourmets
Slugs love to feast on young, juicy eggplant leaves. They are especially active at night, leaving behind a silvery trail and holes in the leaves.
Mechanical barriers: Create barriers for slugs. Sprinkle eggshells, sawdust, or sand around plants.
Traps: Attract slugs to traps such as beer saucers.
Chemicals: as a last resort, you can use special preparations to combat slugs.
Prevention is the key to success
Remember, it is easier to prevent pests than to deal with them. Here are some prevention tips:
Observe crop rotation: do not plant eggplants in the same place for several years in a row.
Kill weeds: Weeds are a breeding ground for pests.
Keep your plants healthy: Healthy plants are more resistant to pests.
Inspect your plants regularly: early detection of pests will allow you to take action quickly.
Earlier, the expert explained how to properly plant dill and parsley.
Expert: Anastasia Kovrizhnykh
