Cabbage, being one of the most common vegetables in gardens, is often attacked by various pests.
The most dangerous of them are caterpillars and aphids. They can cause serious damage to the crop if timely measures are not taken.
It is important to understand how these pests affect plants and what methods of controlling them are most effective.
Folk methods of dealing with caterpillars
Cabbage moth and cabbage white butterfly caterpillars can quickly destroy cabbage by eating leaves and disrupting the plant's development.
Folk methods of combating caterpillars include the use of natural ingredients.
For example, infusions and decoctions of garlic, onions and tobacco effectively repel pests. It is also recommended to use ash solutions, which not only repel caterpillars, but also enrich the soil with useful microelements.
Such methods allow us to maintain the environmental friendliness of the product and avoid the use of chemicals.
Use of biological preparations
Biological preparations are an alternative to chemical agents and are safe for the environment and humans.
One of the most popular preparations is a bacterial insecticide containing spores of the bacteria Bacillus thuringiensis.
These bacteria paralyze the digestive system of caterpillars, which leads to their death.
Biopreparations are effective and easy to use, they do not accumulate in plants and soil, which makes them ideal for use in home gardens.
Fighting aphids: simple and effective methods
Aphids are another serious enemy of cabbage. They suck the juice from the leaves, which causes them to wither and deform.
There are various methods that can be used to combat aphids. Soap solutions applied to the affected areas of plants have proven themselves to be effective.
Soap creates a film that prevents aphids from breathing, which leads to their death. Decoctions of wood ash and infusions based on garlic and tobacco are also effective.
Chemical means of protection
When folk methods and biological preparations are not effective enough, chemical insecticides come to the rescue.
They provide fast and reliable pest control, but require careful use.
It is important to follow the instructions for use to avoid harming the environment and the accumulation of harmful substances in the crop.
Modern chemical preparations have a wide range of action and allow you to fight various types of insects.
Preventive measures
Prevention plays a key role in protecting cabbage from pests. Regular inspections of plants allow you to detect the first signs of damage and take action at an early stage.
Crop rotation and proper soil care help reduce the number of pests.
Planting repellent plants such as calendula, mint or dill near cabbage helps repel insects.
Moderate watering and timely weed removal also help strengthen plants and make them resistant to pests.
Earlier we wrote about why tomato leaves turn yellow in a greenhouse.
Author: Valeria Kisternaya
