Life as an aphid
SYMPTOMS OF APHIDS Clusters of Aphids A symptom that shows there are aphids on a tree is finding small clusters of aphids on leaves. This means that aphids have probably spread over the plant and are destroying it. Discoloured Leaves One of the main symptoms of aphids are discoloured leaves. Discoloured leaves show that aphids may have started sucking the sap out of the tree. Generally the more discoloured leaves on the tree, the more aphids. Distorted Leaves Ants A surprising symptom that shows aphids are on a tree is ants. Ants are known to protect aphids so when there are ants on a tree there are aphids. Aphids cause wilting and distortion of leaves and young shoots. Wilting and distortion leaves look like the leaf or young shoot is about to die. The leaf or young shoot has a bit of colour then in the middle its black or brown symbolising death.
SYMPTOMS OF APHIDS Sooty Mould A major symptom that show aphids have been on the tree is black or white sooty mould that looks bubbly. Sooty mould is a type of fungi which covers plant leaves, as well as stems and twigs in a black and white sticky substance. In most cases, the sooty mould is secondary to an infestation of aphids that secrete honeydew. What impact Aphi-ots have oo Prooluze? Aphids have a huge impact on fresh produce, trees and flowers. They can suck sap out of the plants which causes wilting and stunt shoots. Aphids transmit viruses through certain vegetables which may prevent them from growing, make them poisonous or make them look unappealing. Certain types of Aphids can spread disease in minutes making them harder to control. All of this results in less produce and a slower production for farmers.
OUR INSECTARY Our insectary has several features including a Bee hive. We thought the bee hive would be a great asset to our in insectary because bees make honey and it will attract ants to the insectary so the aphids will no longer be protected. Our insectary has a bamboo exterior so insects can travel through easily and have and extra shelter. Another feature we have in our insectary is a pipe at the back to collect rain water for the insects to drink out of instead of having to go outside and being in danger. We have bricks on the bottom of the insectary to stabilize it so when it is windy and stormy it will hold up. They are also for protecting our insectary from the grass growing over and in the insectary. The bird feeder will attract birds because the birds will come and eat all the food in the feeder. While the birds are there they will be able to spy aphids which they can then eat. We also have have a water proof security camera to spy on the insectary, insects and the aphids to make sure they are safe and nothing will get in to our insectary. There also a lot of flowers surrounding the insectary. We have lots of different types of flowers including sun flowers, dandelions, thistles and lavenders. These benefit our insectary because they help the bees pollinate the flowers.
APHID TR TMENTS Honey The first method we tried to reduce aphids with was honey. Our group decided to use this method because we researched and found out that ants protect aphids. Ants are drawn to honey and if we can lure ants away from the tree aphid predators will we able to attack the aphids.we conducted this by pouring honey into a small plastic container. We placed the container next to our tree and spread a minimal amount of honey around the base of our tree. We found that this method was a good temporary solution but you would need a better solution longterm. Bird Feeder We tried to reduce aphids by hanging a bird feeder on our tree. This method draws insect eating birds to our tree and will allow them to see and then eat the aphids. Our group filled a basic feeder with grains and apple. We then waited for birds to come. We found that this method surprisingly worked on our tree. Lots of aphids were eaten by the birds however this may not work if the weather turns bad or rainy. Water blasting owe of or methods to stop aphi.ds is water lolasti-tag them off the tree. we used a hose to do this., the hose gave us evuou.sh force to at Least blast a few a-phi-as off. tf we dizt thi,s everu dau the aphi.ds wouldw't stawd a cliawee. we ekose this method becau.se it is ctui-citz, awd easu, tl.ilc method otoesw't weed ma suppii-es t owld weeds water & ic4 a hose ah.ol somewhere to ida.4.0 the hose I. overall. this WAS c good method to u.se.
AIIIIE-111111 APHID TREATMENTS Flowers and Plants I Garlic Spray Another method to reduce Aphids is to use a garlic spray. Garlic spray is a great method for multiple reasons. Garlic has an extremely pungent aroma which is unpleasant for us as well as aphids, so smell can make aphids flee. Garlic can sting and burn our eyes and it is also the same for aphids. Aphids are soft bodied insects so if the garlic spray touches their bodies it will sting and kill them in seconds. This method also requires minimal supplies and is quick and easy. We mixed 2 parts water and 1 part minced garlic together before pouring into a spray bottle. You can also add a few cloves of garlic to the bottle for extra benefits. Spritz this concoction on to the tree daily for best results. This solution worked really well on our tree. A significant number of aphids left our tree and we noticed that our tree looked more 'alive'. A method that you can also use is adding plants/flowers to your garden. The plants/flowers will attract ladybugs. These plants include chives, mustard, cilantro, dill, marigolds, carrots, nasturtiums and alyssum. Add these plants near your aphid infected trees or plants. Ladybugs are predators and are going to feed on the aphids. The ladybugs will help to get rid of the aphids in your garden. Soap Spray Another method we have done is soap spray, this is because it will kill the aphid. You must be careful when you spray it because you don't want to kill the leaves. Use a solution of: 8 cups of warm water 1/2 cups of vegetable oil 6-8 drops of dish soap (don't use to much otherwise it can kill the leaves) A pinch of cayenne pepper Shake well before you use it. Use it in the morning when the sun is not as strong, and if it is not raining. Do this for a week, the end results should be that there are no aphids left on your trees or plants.
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