A healthy, worm-free cherry crop is every gardener's goal.
However, this requires choosing the right means and processing methods that will help protect the berries from pests without harming the tree.
Prevention: How to Avoid Pests on Cherries
To prevent worms from appearing on cherries, it is important to carry out regular preventive measures.
One of the most effective methods is autumn and spring treatment of trees.
In early spring, before the buds open, it is recommended to treat the trees with Bordeaux mixture or other copper-containing preparations.
This helps to destroy fungal and insect spores that may have remained on the bark or in the soil after winter. In the fall, after the leaves have fallen, repeated treatment helps to destroy the remains of pests preparing for winter.
Insecticides: When and How to Use Chemicals
Insecticides are one of the most effective means of controlling cherry worms.
However, their use requires strict rules. The first treatment should be carried out before flowering to prevent the appearance of pests such as cherry fly and other insects that lay eggs in the fruit.
The second treatment is carried out after flowering, when the fruits begin to set. It is important to choose preparations that do not pose a danger to bees and other pollinators.
Folk remedies: safe ways to fight worms
For those who prefer organic methods of pest control, there are proven folk remedies. Infusions based on garlic, wormwood or tobacco can effectively repel insects.
To prepare the infusion, pour 200 grams of crushed garlic with 10 liters of water, leave for several hours and spray the trees during the period of pest activity. These methods are safe for plants and the environment, but require regular repetition to achieve a sustainable result.
Tree trunk circle care: the importance of cleanliness and regularity
Caring for the cherry tree trunk circle also plays an important role in preventing the appearance of worms.
Regularly removing fallen leaves and fruits and digging the soil around the tree helps reduce the number of pests that overwinter in the soil.
Additionally, you can apply mulching to the tree trunk circle, which will create unfavorable conditions for pests.
Biological methods: using beneficial insects
One of the modern approaches to protecting cherries from worms is the use of biological methods.
Introducing entomophages – insects that feed on pests, such as Trichogramma or lacewing – into the garden helps control pests naturally. This method does not require the use of chemicals and is safe for the environment.
