Content
Spring is the period of the main growth of berry bushes. Plants are intensively gaining green mass, subsequent fruiting depends on the degree of growth. But at this time, the spread of colonies of parasitic pests occurs. Ammonia from aphids on currants eliminates pests and nourishes the shrub with trace elements necessary for vegetation.
Does ammonia help against aphids on currants
Aphids are an insect parasitizing on fruit trees and vegetable crops, but the main congestion is noted on young shoots and currant leaves. The presence of the pest is determined by the state of the leaves, they curl, dark convex spots appear on the surface.
On black currant, there is a light green shoot aphid. On white, yellow and red gall aphids, a microscopic insect, parasitizes, so it is almost impossible to see it. It is often mistakenly believed that the plant is infected with an infection, and an incorrect definition of the cause leads to an aggravation of the condition, because the methods of dealing with the disease and parasites are different.
Pests feed on the juice of young shoots and leaves, the plant weakens and loses productivity.
Currants die without timely action.
The chemical industry offers a wide range of insecticides for pest control. They are used in critical cases. Substances kill all living organisms, including bees that pollinate shrubs. The use of pesticides during flowering and fruit setting is not recommended. Therefore, ammonia from aphids on currants is the best option for eliminating the problem:
- ammonia kills the pest;
- the product is readily available, it is sold in any pharmacy;
- economical in terms of cost;
- does not have a toxic effect on humans.
Ammonia is safe for bees and contains nitrogen necessary for the growth of currants. The processing of the plant is carried out at certain time intervals, the latter, when berries are formed on the currants. The use of chemicals during the fruiting period is extremely undesirable, ammonia is one of the acceptable options for eliminating insects.
How does ammonia work against aphids on currants
The substance acting on aphids in the composition of ammonia is ammonia, which acts as an insecticide. Pharmacies sell a 10% solution, this concentration is enough to get rid of the pest. Ammonia is used for the spread of parasitic insects on currants and as a prophylactic agent.
The action of ammonia on aphids after processing currants occurs rather quickly. The drug settles on the leaves and stems of currants, is quickly absorbed, the juice from the treated areas causes dysfunction of the digestive tract, ammonia vapors disrupt the respiratory function. The ammonia triggers the mechanism of irreversible actions in the insect's body:
- a burn occurs in the area of the gastrointestinal tract;
- swelling of the mucous membrane blocks the access of oxygen, the insect cannot breathe;
- convulsions occur;
- the final stage is paralysis;
The duration of the action of ammonia is 40 minutes, then the insect dies.
Preparation of the solution
The product is sold in bottles of 40 ml.The volume of the solution is sufficient for processing currants throughout the season. A mandatory procedure is the use of ammonia for currants in the spring, before the start of the main growing season. The tool is used for preventive purposes. Components of the solution for feeding currants and preventing the appearance of pests:
- ammonia - ¼ bottle;
- water - 10 l;
- tar liquid soap - 4 tbsp. l.
Currant bushes are sprayed, the rest of the solution is suitable as a root top dressing not only for currants, but also for all fruit trees and berry bushes on the site. Nitrogen fertilization is not required after that.
A more concentrated solution is made to combat aphids. The volume depends on the number of currant bushes, it can be increased or decreased if necessary:
- water - 2.5 l;
- ammonia - 10 ml;
- concentrated soap solution - 1 tbsp. l.
You can use a commercially available liquid household soap for treating aphid currants, or you can make your own. To do this, the bar is grated and poured with hot water, left until completely dissolved. The consistency should be thick. It is better to use tar soap with a pungent specific smell, which will scare away other insects parasitizing on currants. Aphids do not have a chitinous membrane, the alkali in the soap is destructive for it.
Methods for processing currants with ammonia
The currants are treated with ammonia on a windless day in the morning or in the evening. The time of day was not chosen by chance - this is the period of minimal activity of the pest. In sunny weather, ammonia evaporates quickly, so spraying is not effective enough.
Equipment for work is chosen taking into account that the spray is not small, the spray for indoor plants will not work. The garden one is equipped with a device that regulates the volume of drops and the flow of the jet, it is used most often. As a last resort, you can use a watering can, but the expense will be higher.
The main task when processing currants is to get the ammonia into the main place of the aphid accumulation. The tops of the stems and the lower part of the leaves are treated. After spraying, the problem areas of the plant should be completely wet. Then the rest of the crown of the bush is sprayed. With a strong accumulation of insects, the stem with leaves can be dipped in the solution.
Treatment of currants with ammonia begins in early spring, the frequency depends on the degree of damage. They finish using ammonia only after the currant berries begin to stain in the color corresponding to the variety.
Ammonia is an effective insecticidal agent; it is enough to spray twice to rid the shrubs of aphids.
Precautions
When working with ammonia, safety precautions must be observed. A substance with a pungent odor can cause swelling of the nasopharyngeal mucosa. Possible cough and nasal discharge. This feature of the substance can provoke an unpredictable reaction in people with an allergy to ammonia. For protection, use a gauze bandage, ideally a respirator.
When spraying, a solution of ammonia is dispersed in space, it is possible that it gets into the eyes and mouth. Ammonia poisoning will not provoke, the dosage in the solution is safe for humans, but redness and itching around the lips may appear. When in contact with the eyes, ammonia causes redness, burning and tearing. It is recommended to wear special safety goggles while working.
Work on the preparation of a working solution from ammonia is carried out in rubber gloves, they are also used during work. Depending on the structure of the epidermis on the hands, ammonia can cause irritation and burns.
Experienced gardening tips
The effectiveness of ammonia against aphids has been discussed by both fans and skeptics. As a top dressing, the agent is used given, the benefits are beyond doubt. According to experienced gardeners, the drug is not inferior to chemicals, you just need to use it correctly.
Here are some tips to improve the effectiveness of using ammonia in your garden:
- The working solution is made only in cold water and used immediately.
- Aphids can fly to neighboring plants, insect reproduction is asexual, therefore, healthy and affected currant bushes are treated with ammonia.
- If it rains after the treatment, the procedure is repeated.
- Continuous spraying of an annual plant is not recommended, since salts accumulate in the soil, which inhibits the development of the root system.
- You cannot often use ammonia, an excess of nitrogen will have the opposite effect, the leaves will turn yellow, the ovaries may shatter. The plant is treated no more than 1 time in 14 days.
At the first appearance of pests, it is necessary to inspect the site for anthills. Ants "breed" aphids, protect from external enemies. In the process of vital activity, the aphid secretes a secret - honeydew, a sweet substance that ants feed on.
Conclusion
Ammonium from aphids on currants has been used by gardeners for a long time and quite successfully. The solution destroys pests by affecting the digestive and respiratory systems. The drug is used for prophylactic purposes. Due to the high concentration of nitrogen in the composition of the product, it is used for feeding shrubs.
