Garlic is a commonly grown herb around the world. Not only is it used as a flavoring agent in various cuisines, but it also has a host of health benefits. However, garlic crops are often plagued by various sucking pests that can cause immense damage to the plants. In this article, we will discuss some ways to control these pests and ensure a healthy garlic crop.
Identify the Pest
Before we can control any pest, we need to identify the species of pest attacking our garlic crop. The most common sucking pests that affect garlic include aphids, mites, and whiteflies. These insects pierce the plant’s tissues and suck the sap, leaving the plant weak and susceptible to other diseases.
Natural Remedies
While chemical pesticides can be very effective at controlling pests, they can also harm beneficial insects and pollute the environment. Instead, consider using natural remedies. One such natural remedy is neem oil, which is derived from the neem tree. Neem oil has natural insecticidal properties that can repel or kill pests like aphids and whiteflies.
Garlic-based sprays are another effective natural remedy. Garlic contains allicin, which has antibacterial, antifungal, and insecticide properties. Mix a few garlic cloves with water, let it steep overnight, then strain and spray the solution over the plants.
Biological Pest Control
Biological pest control is a method that uses natural predators to control pest populations. Some beneficial insects that can control pest populations in garlic crops include ladybugs, lacewings, and parasitic wasps. You can encourage these beneficial insects to your garden by planting companion plants like marigold and yarrow.
Crop Rotation
Pests tend to thrive in the same environment year after year. To break the cycle, practice crop rotation. Garlic should be planted in a different bed each year and not replanted in the same spot for at least three years. This practice will help reduce the occurrence of pests and diseases.
Conclusion
Sucking pests can cause immense damage to garlic crops if not controlled. However, there are natural, biological, and cultural methods of controlling these pests. Understand your pest, implement the right pest control method, and your garlic crop will thrive.