Cherries, a favorite berry of many gardeners, can lose their appeal due to wormy fruits that spoil the enjoyment of the harvest.
Protecting cherries from pests is an important task for every summer resident.
There are a number of effective methods to keep fruits clean and tasty.
Main pests of cherry
The main culprits of the appearance of worms in cherries are the cherry fly and the cherry weevil.
These insects lay eggs inside the fruit, which then hatch into larvae. They feed on the pulp of the berries, leaving behind damaged and unfit for consumption fruit.
Preventive measures
To prevent cherry trees from becoming infested with pests, preventive measures should be taken regularly.
In autumn, it is important to carefully remove fallen leaves and fruits, in which insect larvae may overwinter.
In the spring, it is necessary to dig up the soil under the trees to destroy the pupae of pests that overwinter in the ground.
Setting traps
An effective method of combating cherry fruit flies is the use of traps. Yellow sticky traps attract insects with their color and smell.
They are hung on the trees at the beginning of cherry blossom and changed every two weeks until the harvest.
Biological methods of protection
The use of biological preparations is a safe way to protect cherries from pests. Infusions of wormwood, tobacco or garlic repel insects and do not harm the environment.
Spraying trees with such solutions is carried out during the budding period and after flowering.
Chemical means of control
In case of severe infestation of cherry trees by pests, chemicals may be required.
Insecticides are used strictly according to the instructions, observing safety measures and processing times before harvesting. It is important to alternate the preparations to avoid pests getting used to them.
Timely pruning
Proper pruning of cherry trees promotes better air circulation in the crown, which makes it difficult for pests to reproduce.
Removing dry and damaged branches and thinning the crown help reduce the risk of fruit infection.
Selection of resistant varieties
When planting cherries, it is worth giving preference to varieties that are resistant to pests.
Such trees are less susceptible to infection and require less effort to protect the crop. Information on the characteristics of varieties can be obtained from specialized nurseries.
Compliance with agricultural technology
Proper care of cherries increases their immunity and ability to resist pests.
Regular watering, fertilizing, loosening the soil - all these measures help trees stay healthy and produce a quality harvest without worms.
