There's good bugs and bad bugs, but then there are root aphids.
Let's talk about root aphids and the problems that come with them. Then we can get into how to get rid of these little harmful insects that can ruin your garden.
Root Aphids are small and can cause a lot of potential damage to crops and different plants. They vary in color and size and reproduce at an alarming rate.
Often mistaken for nutrient deficiencies or over-watering due to the leaves drooping and turning yellow in color, root aphids can do a lot more damage.
These insects leave plants very vulnerable to root rot, mildew, and disease due to a weak immune system.
Just like humans, a plant's immune system needs to stay strong to thrive. This is why it's so important to know how to identify a root aphid problem and use the correct products to prevent and kill them.
Dealing with root aphids
Enough of the bad, let's talk about some products that will help you win the fight!
A simple root drench of MGK Evergreen (AKA Pyganic) which are both pyrethrins based products will set back the colony. Follow this with Botaniguard Maxx or 22WP which also has beauveria bassiana.
This fungus is used as a biocontrol for soft body insects. Beauveria bassiana causes a disease known as the white muscadine in insects. As the fungus proliferates throughout the insect's body, it produces toxins and deprives insects of nutrients until they eventually die.
Another option is a product like Central Coast Root Cleaner, which uses alcohol and other ingredients to essentially dry out the insects.
You can also use Azadirachtin products like Azaguard, Azamax, Neemix, and Azasol the most concentrated of all as an anti-feedent. Always remember to reinoculate your roots and stop by one of our Cultivate to have all your root aphid questions answered fast.
1 comment
Good concise info but you should clarify timing of applications.
Pyganic needs a 20second full pot soak up to 3" inches above soil line. At the same time, spray insecticidal soap around the stem and bottom branches to kill any remaining flyers. The pyganic does not need to be washed out immediately after soaking. Next day, follow up with a regular feeding with Botaniguard or any Beauveria Bassiana product.
Repeat the soak and reinoculation of Beauveria Bassiana again after 5-7 days.
Root Cleaner wont do much other than prevent the flyers from landing on the topsoil for an hour or so after feeding. The Root Cleaner leaves a soapy bubble layer that will kill any flyers who land on it.
The trick is to do the treatment at least twice, preferably 3 times over a 2 week period. Soaking for 20 seconds is necessary. You won’t kill them by just pouring Pyganic on top of the soil like a feeding.
This should be a regular monthly process for proper IPM in perpetual gardens.