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Information on Controlling Sucking Pest in Garlic Crop
Garlic is one of the most important and widely cultivated vegetable crops in the world. It is famous for its unique flavor, medicinal properties, and nutritional benefits. However, growing garlic isn’t without its challenges, and one of these challenges is dealing with sucking pests. These insects are known for their piercing-sucking mouthparts that allow them to feed on the sap of plants, causing severe damage to crops. In this article, we will look at the information on controlling sucking pests in garlic crops.
Identification of Sucking Pests in Garlic Crop
Before we can discuss the control of sucking pests in garlic crops, let’s first identify these pests. Some of the common sucking pests that infest garlic crops include aphids, thrips, whiteflies, and mites. Aphids are small, soft-bodied, and pear-shaped insects that are often found in clusters on the leaves and stems of garlic plants. Thrips are tiny, slender insects that feed on garlic shoots, flowers, and bulbs. Whiteflies are tiny, white, moth-like insects that feed on the undersides of garlic plant leaves. Lastly, mites are minute animals that have eight legs and are usually found on the bottom surface of garlic leaves.
Cultural Practices to Control Sucking Pests in Garlic Crop
Cultural practices are the first line of defense against sucking pests in garlic crops. These practices are aimed at preventing sucking pests from infesting garlic plants. They include:
1. Crop Rotation – This practice involves planting garlic in a different part of the farm or garden each year, which helps break the life cycle of sucking pests.
2. Sanitation – Garlic fields should be kept free from crop debris and weeds, which can be a breeding ground for sucking pests.
3. Soil Preparation – Proper soil preparation is key to avoiding sucking pests. Garlic plants require well-drained soil, and the field should be properly tilled before planting.
4. Water Management – Garlic crops should be watered properly to avoid water stress, which can increase the susceptibility of plants to sucking pests.
Chemical Control of Sucking Pests in Garlic Crop
When cultural practices aren’t enough, there are several chemical control methods that can be used to manage sucking pests in garlic crops. The most common methods include:
1. Insecticides – Several types of insecticides can be used to control sucking pests. They include pyrethroids, organophosphates, and neonicotinoids.
2. Acaricides – Acaricides are used to control mites. They include abamectin, miticides, and sulfur.
3. Systemic Insecticides – These insecticides are applied to the soil, and the plant absorbs them through the roots. They act as a systemic insecticide, killing sucking pests when they feed on the plant sap.
It is essential to note that the use of chemicals should be a last resort. Before using any chemical, it is critical to read and follow all instructions on the label, and the chemical should be applied as directed.
Conclusion
Sucking pests can be a major challenge for garlic growers, but with proper cultural practices and chemical control methods, these pests can be controlled. A combination of these methods is often effective in managing sucking pests, but it is essential to remember that cultural practices should be the first line of defense. It is also critical to use chemicals responsibly to avoid harming the environment and non-target organisms.