Aphids on cabbage: how to recognize and fight, why is the pest dangerous?

Aphids are a dangerous parasite from the order of hemipteran insects that feed on the sap of young plants. This pest often settles on the lower part of cabbage leaves, sucks out the vital juices from them, leading to various diseases and even death of the plant. To prevent such consequences, it is necessary to recognize aphids on cabbage leaves in time and take all measures to combat them.

How to recognize aphids?

Aphids are an invisible but dangerous insect that feeds on plant sap. It can be recognized by the following external characteristics:

the body is translucent, egg-shaped and short in length - about 2.2-2.5 mm;
the color of the body is pale green, often appearing gray due to a waxy coating, with brown transverse torn stripes that begin from the first element of the abdomen;
the head is brown with black eyes and short antennae consisting of 5-6 segments;
the oral apparatus is small and designed like a proboscis, piercing the integumentary tissues of leaves and drawing out juice from them;
the tail is conical, dark green in color and without marginal tubercles;
the legs are brown, as are the cylindrical tubes, which are slightly swollen in the middle and slightly shorter than the tail.

Such pests can often be found on representatives of cruciferous plants, which include not only all types of cabbage, but also the following crops:

daikon;
turnip;
radish;
radish.

The pest reproduces quickly, since the birth of offspring occurs without fertilization, and one female can lay up to 40-50 larvae. Moreover, about 15-20 generations of this pest change during the season.

In spring and summer, only female insects are born. Males are born in the fall, when females lay eggs on cabbage heads or other cruciferous plants left over for the winter. They winter well if the plants are under snow. In the spring, when the air temperature reaches +11-12°C, the larvae hatch from the eggs, and their life cycle repeats. Females without wings appear after several lines, after about half a month. They do not need males for fertilization, and each of them is capable of producing up to half a hundred larvae.

Causes of aphids

In most cases, aphids appear on plants after females accidentally fly into the garden in the spring and lay eggs in the weeds, from which many larvae hatch after winter. This will be the beginning of the insect’s reproduction mechanism.

In addition, ants can spread aphids. They coexist very closely with this pest, since aphids secrete tasty food for them - sweet-tasting honeydew. Thus, ants keep aphid eggs in their anthills even in winter, and in the spring they take them out to the site and spread them over young plants.

If cabbage is infested with aphids, many black ants can often be found on it or near the plantings.

Signs of cabbage damage

Aphids reproduce very quickly, so the sooner they are detected, the better. This can be done by regularly inspecting the cabbage leaves. If the pest has already attacked the cabbage, then this will be indicated by the following signs:

the leaves become discolored, especially at the top, fade and become more fragile;
the area between the veins on the leaf blades seems to be decaying and gradually begins to dry out;
the plant gradually loses its green color, becomes covered with yellow spots and dries out, as it loses chlorophyll and becomes unable to fully carry out photosynthesis;
cabbage grows poorly because it absorbs nutrients extremely slowly and at the same time quickly loses its vital juices;
a sticky dirty coating appears on the plant, which is a waste product of parasites;
with severe damage, the leaves curl into tubes and become deformed, and heads of cabbage do not form.

When inspecting cabbage for the presence of aphids, you need to take into account that the pest initially multiplies on the lower part of the bushes, and over time it spreads to the entire plant.

With severe damage, accumulations of aphids can be seen even with a superficial examination of the cabbage.

Why are aphids dangerous?

The danger of aphids for cabbage lies in the fact that it multiplies quickly, sucks the vital juices from the crop and provokes disruptions in its vital functions, which is why the vegetable develops poorly and dies.

In addition, aphids can infect the plant with various fungal and viral diseases, including:

mosaic;
black ring spot;
necrotic jaundice, etc.

The fact is that aphids are capable of transmitting various diseases from diseased plants to healthy ones. So, if there is a diseased plant in the garden, colonies of insects will quickly spread pathogenic microflora, so other garden plants growing in the neighborhood will also suffer.

Why is it difficult to control aphids?

Getting rid of aphids is not so easy, since predatory insects refuse to peck them. The fact is that when absorbing cabbage juices, aphids accumulate glucosinolate in the body, and a fermented substance, myrosinase, appears in its muscles. When a predator attacks an aphid, it begins to secrete these enzymes, which are converted into mustard oil - a real poison for birds. As a result, the predators either die or escape.

Even ladybugs that prey on aphids either die after a while due to mustard oil or crawl away from the colonies.

Meanwhile, the aphidius larva copes with aphids. It lives in the insect's body, causing it to swell into a ball, turn brown, stick to the leaf and die. It is known that the breeding of such larvae is carried out in special laboratories, so ordinary gardeners often do not have access to them. However, there are other ways to combat cabbage pests, which can be found below.

Advantages and disadvantages of using folk remedies

The war against aphids using traditional methods undoubtedly has advantages:

safety. Perhaps this is the most important point, especially for those gardeners who have animals or small children. Folk control measures are not toxic and do not harm beneficial insects, soil or the plant itself;
simplicity. It is more than simple to prepare a mixture to combat aphids yourself; you just need to follow the instructions and advice;
cheapness. Traditional therapy products do not require special expenses and are sold in any store.

Methods for controlling aphids

After discovering aphids in your garden plot, you must immediately begin to combat them. In this case, it is advisable to immediately apply several methods, each of which will be considered separately.

Biological and mechanical methods

It is proposed to breed birds and insects on the site, which can destroy this pest before it turns into an adult insect.

For these purposes, you need to attract the following birds to the cabbage patch:

tits;
warbler;
linnets;
Vorobyov.

To do this, you need to install special feeders filled with grain crops:

sunflower seeds;
millet;
millet;
oats

Tits will also be happy with hung unsalted lard, hard-boiled eggs, and grained cottage cheese.

Among insects, it is better to attract those individuals that are able to cope with aphid larvae. These include:

Ladybugs . They can be attracted by installing log houses with holes for wintering on the site. This method is relevant for southern areas where winters are warm. In other regions, to attract ladybugs in the garden, it is better to plant the following plants: yarrow;
tansy;
buckwheat;
dill;
angelica;
sweet clover

Hoverflies . To attract hoverflies, daisies and fennel should be planted in the area.

Ground beetles . These insects prefer nightshade crops - tomatoes, potatoes, black nightshade.

Lacewings . They love to hide in the leaves of ferns growing in the shade of the garden.

Earwigs . They grow where there is sawdust, which can be placed in pots around the garden.

In order to repel aphids, you can also plant spicy plants on the site, in particular:

basil;
mint;
garlic;
onion;
fennel;
lavender.

Some experienced gardeners sow tobacco between the beds, as it destroys cabbage caterpillars and aphids.

These methods are acceptable in the early stages of cabbage infestation by aphids, when it is still in the form of a larva. In case of a large pest invasion, they are ineffective, so they will have to be combined with the use of chemicals.

Physical way

Acceptable at the stage when there are still few pests in the garden. In this case there is no need to use chemicals. The method is to destroy aphids with your own hands. To do this, the beds must be carefully inspected, and any identified pests must be crushed directly on the cabbage.

Chemical method

The most reliable and effective method of combating aphids, which involves treating cabbage with biologically active preparations and chemical insecticides. Popular means include:

Pyrethrum . Biological preparation in powder form based on chamomile. Before processing, it must be diluted in water at the rate of 60 g per 10 liters of liquid. Spray cabbage with it in calm weather once every 2 weeks throughout the vegetable growing season.
Karbofos . A toxic but very effective broad-spectrum remedy that helps get rid of adult pests and larvae. The insecticide must be diluted in water at the rate of 7.5 g per 5 liters. When spraying plants, wear equipment (respirator, rubber gloves). The weather should be dry, without gusty winds. Use the drug 1 time. After treating cabbage, the parasites will die within 2 hours, and the protective effect will last for 20 days or more, depending on weather conditions.
Seifos . Not as poisonous as Karbofos. It is more often used in cases where the seedlings were not treated before planting in a permanent place. The plant should be sprayed with a solution of 5 g of product per 5 liters of water. After spraying, the aphids disappear within 2-3 days.
Spark . The insecticide is sold in several variations, so its packaging may have the prefix “Gold”, “Bio” or “Double effect”. Available in powder, tablet or liquid form. Before use, the drug must be diluted in water according to the instructions on the package. After treatment, plant protection lasts about 3 weeks. To consolidate the effect, it can be re-applied after 15 days, and then once a month throughout the growing season. The last treatment should be carried out at least 20 days before harvest.
Deltamethrin . A broad-spectrum insecticidal drug that can immediately destroy pests, since it blocks the transmission of nerve impulses in them, which leads to their paralysis and death. It is harmless to humans, as it contains only natural ingredients. It begins to act immediately after processing the cabbage and over the next 20 days.

Other drugs based on deltamethrin are also produced, including Decis pro, Fas and Atom.

To prevent aphids from getting used to chemicals, they need to be changed annually. Although their use allows you to quickly get rid of pests, they still pose a danger to the vegetable, so after processing the cabbage should be fed with natural fertilizers.

There are products that simultaneously destroy aphids and feed cabbage. You can learn about one of them from the video below:

Traditional methods

Not all gardeners like chemical treatment of plants. Many people prefer to use folk remedies that do not have a toxic effect. These include:

Water supplied under pressure . You can get rid of aphids using water supplied through a hose. This creates pressure, causing insects to be washed off the plants. The aphids can no longer crawl back. If you shower frequently, you can gradually get rid of these insects.
Soap solution . Prepared from laundry or tar soap. For 10 liters of water you need to take 100 g of soap. Spray the heads and legs with the prepared mixture from a spray bottle.
A mixture of soap and soda . Dilute 1 tbsp in 10 liters. l. soda ash and 1/2 bar of laundry soap, grated on a fine grater. Spray the mixture onto the cabbage.

If you use only soda, it will not linger on the leaves and will quickly be washed away by rain, so it is supplemented with soap.

Infusion of ash . For a 10-liter bucket of water, take 2 cups of wood ash. Mix the mixture thoroughly and apply it to the cabbage leaves. The ash can also be used in combination with cinnamon and pepper (red and black). Spices need to be mixed in equal proportions and add 200 g of wood ash. Separately, dilute 200 g of laundry soap in 1 liter of warm water, add the finished powder and 9 liters of cool water. Mix the composition thoroughly and use as directed 2 times with intervals of 3 days. For preventative purposes, cabbage can be processed once a month.
Tobacco decoction . To prepare a concentrated product, you need to grind 10 g of dry tobacco, add 5 liters of water and leave for 24 hours. Next, boil the composition for 2 hours over low heat, after adding another 5 liters of water. Treat cabbage with broth from a watering can or spray bottle.
Orange peel decoction . Take 2 cups of crushed and dried orange peels, pour warm water over them and leave for 24 hours. Then boil the composition for about 10-15 minutes, strain and dilute with 10 liters of water. At the end, add 100 g of soap and use as directed.
Spicy infusion . Prepare garlic, horseradish (leaves or roots) and hot pepper. Grind the horseradish, fill the pan a third with it and pour boiling water over it. Leave until the water cools down. Take 2 pods of hot pepper and a head of garlic, finely chop and pour 1 liter of boiled water. Then pour this solution into the pan with horseradish. Before treating plants, add a little liquid soap.
Infusion of celandine . Take 4 kg of raw or 1 kg of dry herb, pour 10 liters of hot water and leave for 24 hours. Strain the composition, add a little liquid soap and use as intended.
Infusion of potato or tomato tops . Finely chop fresh tomato or potato tops. You can take both in equal parts. Fill the pan halfway with the prepared raw materials and pour in boiled water. Leave for 24 hours, strain and add a little soap. Treat cabbage with the prepared mixture.
Sorrel infusion . Aphids do not like the sour infusion of horse sorrel. To prepare it, dig up the roots of the plant, chop it and pour boiling water at the rate of 150 g per 5 liters of water. Leave for 24 hours and use to spray affected plants.
Dandelion infusion . Dig up dandelion roots (200 g) and collect leaves (500 g). Grind the raw materials and leave for about 3 hours in boiling water. Strain the mixture, add liquid soap and treat the cabbage with it.
Chamomile infusion . To prepare it, take 100 g of dry raw materials, pour 1 liter of boiling water and leave for 12 hours. Strain the infusion, pour in 2 liters of water, add a little soap and spray the plants with it.
Infusion of onion peels and onions . Take 2 onions and some onion peels. Chop the onion, combine with the peel and add 2 liters of hot water. Leave for about 4 hours, add soap and use as directed.
Infusion of pine needles . Prepared within 1 week. Take 1 kg of pine needles and pour 4 liters of boiled water. Leave for a week, stirring the needle daily. Before using the infusion, dilute it with water in equal proportions.
Vinegar . Repels insects with its pungent odor. You need to take 1 tbsp. l. essences and dilute in 10 liters of water. It is enough to treat cabbage with the product 2 times to completely get rid of aphids.
Mustard . To treat affected leaves, you can prepare a solution of 50 g of powder per 5 liters of water. In addition, dry mustard should be scattered near anthills, because ants are distributors of aphids.
Essential oils . In the fight against aphids on cabbage, the use of essential oils - tea tree, lavender, thyme, cedar - shows excellent results. 10 drops of each product should be diluted in 0.5 liters of water and sprayed with the composition on each cabbage leaf. Processing should be done in the evening.
Ammonia . Like vinegar, it repels insects with its pungent reserve. Helps get rid of even adult aphids. In 10 liters of water you need to stir 50 ml of ammonia and pour the cabbage from a watering can.

You can use an alcohol solution no more than once every 14 days, otherwise excess nitrogen will lead to deformation of the leaves and impaired growth of the vegetable.

How to treat cabbage with an effective folk remedy based on ammonia is described in the video below:

Additional recommendations

Controlling aphids is a complex process due to the massive occurrence and diversity of pest forms. Before you begin active destruction, it is worth trying to prevent their attacks on plants.

To do this you need:

provide plants with good conditions, since healthy and strong flowers are more resistant to aphids and tolerate their attack more easily;
spread cut mint shoots among ornamental plants (aphids do not tolerate mint well);
Spray the plants frequently with water.

In addition, you can use the following fertilizers and protection against aphids:

1. Beer - after cleaning the leaves with it, plants acquire shine.
2. Eggshells are a source of nitrogen and calcium carbonate. The crushed egg shells must be filled with water and allowed to stand for about two weeks. The mixture is used for watering flowers. You can finely mash the shell and put it directly into the ground in a pot. Note: The mixture should not be used for flowers that require acidic soil.
3. Ash from a fire or fireplace mixed with soil makes the soil more fertile.
4. Yeast is a good fertilizer if mixed with water.
5. Coffee and tea grounds - contain potassium and help loosen the soil. Increase its ability to accumulate water. Aphids will not touch the plant for a long time if you sprinkle the soil in the pot with the remnants of black tea several times a week.
6. Aquarium water - ideal for watering and feeding indoor plants.

Only integrated control methods can fully protect plants from pests and improve the appearance of indoor flowers.

Prevention

There are a number of preventive measures that will help protect your garden from aphids:

in late autumn, completely clear the area from the remains of vegetable crops, dry them and burn them, and do not keep them in the garden;
in the fall, carefully dig up the soil to a depth of at least 25 cm;
fight weeds in a timely manner, removing them from all paths;
use mixed planting technology, planting herbs and tobacco near the cabbage bed;
follow the rules of crop rotation, planting cabbage after carrots, onions and legumes;
pay special attention to fertilizing cabbage, since aphids appear on weak young plants that are not fertilized enough.

Preventive measures

Preventive methods include interspersing cabbage bushes with garden crops that repel aphids. These include: fennel, carrots, lettuce, onions, chamomile. By planting cabbage between rows, you can protect the plant from pests. You also need to observe crop rotation. Having planted cruciferous crops twice on one plot, you can expect an aphid attack next year.

The best predecessors: garlic, legumes, carrots. After harvesting the cabbage, you need to dig up and get rid of the above-ground parts where insects lay “overwintering” larvae. The soil needs to be dug up and fertilizing added.

Rules of care and timely processing

There is no need to wait until aphids attack cabbage; you can protect the future harvest by preventative spraying of the garden before planting. Special agents are used that act on insects through the soil or directly on them. Before transplanting, young seedlings are also processed.

Once the plant has taken root, it can be sprayed with a mild insecticide. Treatment can be carried out when the first ovaries appear. It is not recommended to poison cabbage with chemicals after flowering; this may negatively affect the harvest in the future.

Attention: It is prohibited to use insecticides near water bodies, since many products have a negative effect on fish. They should not be used near apiaries: bees may die during active use.

Mistakes of inexperienced gardeners

The most common mistakes that can lead to the spread of aphids are:

Violation of landing rules . If you do not maintain the optimal distance between plants, apply fertilizers at the wrong time and improperly water the seedlings, the plants will turn out weakened and will attract the attention of insects.
Chemical abuse . They destroy not only aphids, but also insects that prey on them. It turns out that such treatment harms the plants. It is necessary to use chemicals only when there are too many aphids and they can completely destroy the entire crop.
Preservation of aphid eggs . Many gardeners do not remove stalks and weeds in the fall, so the eggs laid on them remain overwintering in the garden bed, and the larvae hatch in the spring.

Aphids are small-looking insects that can destroy large cabbage crops. It is important to start combating the pest in a timely manner, and even better, to prevent its appearance by observing preventive measures. It is also important to follow agricultural techniques for growing and caring for cabbage.

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Useful tips

To grow cabbage in open ground, you need to follow the recommendations from experienced gardeners:

Water the seedlings with warm water, then the seedlings will be stronger and more resistant to disease.
It is necessary to feed and pick early cabbage. Seedlings need to be grown at a temperature of 18 degrees during the day and 8 degrees at night. Fertilizing is done after the first 2 leaves appear. Gardeners advise using Zdraven. The next feeding is carried out after 10 days. A liter of mullein is diluted in water and the seedlings are watered.
To make the vegetable crop resistant to diseases, hardening is carried out. Once a week, water the seedlings with a solution of potassium permanganate. 3 g are diluted in 10 liters of water.
Before planting cabbage, hardening begins 10 days before planting. Periodic hardening is carried out. Such seedlings will be able to withstand frosts down to -7 degrees.
It is worth planting seedlings in a sunny area. It must be protected from draft and wind.
It is better to plant early varieties of cabbage in a place where onions, cucumbers or turnips used to grow, and late-ripening varieties in an area where there was a good potato harvest.
Before planting seedlings, dig up the soil well; it should be loose. Organic matter or mineral fertilizers are first added to the soil.
A certain distance must be maintained between the rows: for late varieties - 80 cm, and for early varieties - 45 cm.
Before planting, add 2 glasses of warm water to each hole, then the root system will not experience a moisture deficiency.
After planting, the soil is sprinkled with dry soil, and late varieties are planted directly into the soil.

To get a high yield of cabbage, you need to know the rules for planting seedlings and provide regular care for the vegetable crop. You need to water the vegetable properly and constantly monitor its development and growth. If aphids appear on the leaves, then all plants must be treated. First you should try folk remedies, if they don’t help, then start using chemicals. The main thing is to choose the right pest control product.