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Pests and diseases that might affect your plants
There is a great diversity of plants with different characteristics and requirements. However, all plants have one thing in common, and it is that they go throw photosynthesis, and need water, light, and a substrate to survive. Another aspect in which all plants are related is that they can be attacked by pests or suffer from diseases. But, which are the species that «attack» or can represent damage to plants? In this article, we will talk about some of the species that plague plants or cause serious affections.
However, it is important to consider that not all plants are affected by the same species and that their responses to these infections may be different. Therefore, a basic general guide will be shown here.
1- Arachnids: Red spider mite. These are small red spiders that feed on sap. This can lead to leaf drop, yellow spots on the leaves, or wilting of the leaves. The appearance of these insects can occur because the substrate is too dry, the humidity is too low or the temperature is too high for the plant. It can be treated with chemical insecticides and natural remedies.
2- Insects
Aphids
These animals are sucking insects, which feed on plant sap. This implies that the leaves weaken, and get yellow spots and that the growth of the plant is affected. The reason why these insects can appear is that the substrate is overwatered, there is a very high temperature, or there is a lack of nutrients in the soil. To treat this pest, chemical insecticides or home remedies such as methyl alcohol or neem oil should be used.
Thrips
These two millimeter brown insects that feed on leaves can severely damage the state of a plant. They can be identified because they leave brown spots on the leaves. They usually hide on the back of the leaves. To eliminate this pest, it is recommended to use chemical insecticides.
Mealybugs
Sucking insects that feed on the sap of the leaves. Their presence generates that the leaves get deformed and discolored. Besides, they can favor the appearance of fungi. They should be treated with specific sprays or drops to eliminate this species.
White fly
The white flies are hard to identify because they camouflage in the leaves. This makes the plant wilt and weaken. These insects can be eliminated with specific chemicals.
Caterpillars
These insects are the larva stage of butterflies. They nibble on leaves and stems to feed, which weakens the plant. They can be easily eliminated with chemical insecticides and natural treatments or organic treatments.
3- Fungi: There are many types of fungi such as bold, botrytis, rust, downy mildew and anthracnose. Each of these fungi require different treatments and they appear in different ways.
However, in general, the growth of these fungi on plants can be prevented by controlling irrigation and maintaining an adequate humidity. When the fungi appears on only some of the leaves and part of the substrate, it is recommended to remove the affected leaves and apply a fungicide.
If the soil or substrate is heavily infested, it is important to transplant the plant and apply the necessary fungicide. Lastly, if the roots and stems of the plant are compromised, the plant will most likely not survive.