With any form of horticulture, crops are susceptible to pests. Whitefly, spider mites, aphids, slugs – there is an endless list of ravenous invertebrates and rodents with which to contend. Hydroponic gardening can be beneficial in many ways, promoting higher yields and healthier plants; however, hydroponic plants are still at risk of pest damage. Fortunately, there are numerous biological, chemical and physical options to deter, reduce and eradicate pests so that you can enjoy strong, healthy crops. Let’s take a look at just a few forms of pest control suitable for hydroponic growers.
Signs Of Pests
Most pests are easily identifiable and visible to the naked eye. For instance, you may spot clusters of tiny, soft-bodied insects colonising shoot tips and the undersides of leaves – if these insects have two tailpipes (cornicles) at the end of their abdomens, they’re likely aphids, which are sap-sucking pests notorious for causing stunted plant growth. They may also leave a sticky residue on your crops known as honeydew. Other indicators of pests include leaf holes, wilting and discolouration.
Sticky Traps
Sticky traps are a cheap and easy way of reducing the number of pests such as aphids, thrips and fungus gnats. Sticky traps are usually bright yellow, a colour that entices pests. Some sticky traps even contain pheromones to make them more effective against certain insects. You can purchase sticky traps that wedge into your growing medium or fly tape you can suspend above your crops.
Speaking of tape, you can also border your crops with copper tape to deter slugs and snails. Copper tape works by giving these terrestrial molluscs a mild electrostatic shock, repelling them from your plants.
Non-Chemical Pest Control
Neem oil is an excellent form of natural pest control, as both a pesticide and a fungicide; hence, along with killing pests, it also controls fungal diseases like blight, mildew, and verticillium wilt. Non-toxic and environmentally friendly, neem oil is the favoured pest control method among organic horticulturists. Simply mix a teaspoon of neem oil with warm water and a few drops of dish soap, and apply directly to the affected leaves.
Organic pure castile liquid soap spray is another gentle yet highly effective option that doesn’t harm the environment or your plants. Dilute one tablespoon of castile soap in one quart of water for the best results.
Physical Pest Control
Physical pest control means keeping crops clean, snipping away any dead or pest-eaten leaves and removing insect eggs with water. Dead and rotting plant matter can attract pests and other unwelcome insects, so promote healthy growth by pruning any unsalvageable leaves. Removing insect eggs with water can be a tricky process, as blasting away the eggs with a hose can damage delicate plants. Instead, opt for a gentle water sprayer.
Grow tents are sealed environments; therefore, the risk of pests is considerably reduced. That said, there is always a risk, so keep your grow room as secure as possible by sealing gaps with tape. It may be worth purchasing foil-backed heat resistant tape, able to withstand high temperatures and humidity levels.
Beneficial Predators
Introducing and encouraging beneficial predators is arguably the most natural form of pest control. Ladybirds are among the most prevalent beneficial predators – not only do they have a charming appearance, but they have a short life cycle of 4-6 weeks, during which time they can consume as many as 5000 aphids. Another excellent biological weapon against pests is the introduction of nematodes. Also referred to as roundworms, nematodes are microscopic creatures effective against plant-eating pests such as slugs, vine weevils and ants. Nematodes thrive in dark, humid environments, making them an ideal form of pest control for grow tents.
Pyrethrin Spray
Pyrethrins are organic compounds derived from chrysanthemum flowers that work as a pesticide by attacking the nervous systems of insects, paralysing and killing them. Low in toxicity to humans and other mammals, pyrethrin spray is a widely used organic pesticide effective against numerous pests such as aphids, blackfly, caterpillars and many more. Furthermore, pyrethrin spray is affordable and available at most garden centres.
One disadvantage of pyrethrin spray is that while it is less toxic than other chemical pesticide sprays, it can still be harmful to other, more helpful insects, such as ladybirds and bees, vital for the health of your crops and the well-being of the planet.
EduPub 