Raspberries are a favorite berry of many gardeners. But what to do if the tasty fruits are attacked by bugs?
These tiny pests can seriously damage crops, leaving gardeners in despair.
Why do bugs appear on raspberries and how to deal with them effectively?
Pests on raspberries: who they are and why they appear
Bugs, especially green bugs or leafhoppers, are becoming a real problem for raspberries.
These insects feed on plant sap, piercing leaves and berries, which leads to their wilting and spoilage.
The main reason for the appearance of bugs on raspberries is favorable conditions for their reproduction and a lack of natural predators.
Warm and humid weather creates ideal conditions for the reproduction of these insects.
How Bed Bugs Damage Raspberries
Bugs attach themselves to raspberry berries and leaves and suck out the juice. As a result, the berries lose their taste, become hard and unappetizing.
Plus, the saliva of bugs contains enzymes that cause necrosis of plant tissues, which aggravates the situation. If you do not take action in time, you can lose a significant part of the harvest.
Signs of damage to raspberries by bugs
The first sign of bugs appearing on raspberries is the deformation of leaves and berries. The leaves become twisted, spots appear on them, and the berries lose their shape and acquire a bitter taste.
In addition, you may notice small green insects on the plant. These signs indicate the need for immediate action to save the crop.
Effective methods of fighting bedbugs on raspberries
To get rid of bedbugs, you should use a comprehensive approach. The first step is manual collection of pests. Despite the labor intensity, this method allows you to quickly reduce their numbers.
Next, you can use biological preparations containing beneficial microorganisms that destroy bedbugs, but are safe for plants and people.
Chemicals can also be effective, but they should be used with caution and strictly following instructions.
An alternative to chemicals can be folk methods, such as infusions of onions or garlic, which repel insects.
Prevention of bed bugs on raspberries
To prevent the appearance of bugs on raspberries, it is necessary to observe certain agricultural practices.
It is important to regularly inspect plants for pests and signs of damage.
It is also recommended to remove weeds and plant debris, as they serve as a shelter for insects.
Providing a favorable environment for natural enemies of bed bugs, such as birds and insectivorous beetles, also helps control their numbers.
Planting bug-repellent plants, such as calendula or garlic, near raspberries can significantly reduce the risk of damage.
Earlier we told you how to get rid of aphids using red pepper.