Healthy crops and plantings is the key. Pest insects are viewed as indicators that the plantings are under stress. Stressed plants send out signals that pest insect’s hone in on. A healthy plant (measurable by its sugar content) will simply be less attractive to pest insects, no pest insects, no expensive insecticides, right? So, with all crops and plantings, start with:
- Good healthy plants and seeds.
- Use varieties adapted or native to your area.
- Use insect and disease resistant varieties.
- Plant properly, making all necessary soil amendments and drainage adjustments.
- Reduce all stress; provide proper water, light, oxygen, pruning, etc.
- Monitor pest insects visually and with traps.
- Establish an acceptable tolerance level.
- We can never eliminate all the pests.
- Use Garlic & Seaweed sprays regularly.
- Encourage beneficial insects to become permanent residents.
- If pest insects become a problem, correctly identify species, stage of development, and life cycle stage.
- Use the right insecticide for the right insect at the right time or the right predatory insect early.
- Start with the minimum impact approach first.
- If spraying an insecticide, do so selectively and only on the problem areas.
- Feed well with good soil and plant foods.
