Pest Diseases Hygiene Aphids Clusters of tiny softbodied
Pest, Diseases & Hygiene
• Aphids • Clusters of tiny, soft-bodied insects on underside of leaves • Whiteflies • Lots of tiny, white moths • Spider Mites • Tiny yellow speckles on leaves • Caterpillars • Black eggs (dots) on channels • Mealybugs • Cottony masses in crooks of stems • Thrips • Tiny insects, curling leaves with white/silver spots • Fungus Gnats • Swarms of tiny black flies Common Pests
A • Aphids • Clusters of tiny, soft-bodied insects on underside of leaves • Whiteflies • Lots of tiny, white moths C • Spider Mites • Tiny yellow speckles on leaves • Caterpillars • Black eggs (dots) on channels • Mealybugs • Cottony masses in crooks of stems • Thrips • B Tiny insects, curling leaves with white/silver spots Work with a partner: Identify each of the above pests • Fungus Gnats • Swarms of tiny black flies Common Pests
• Aphids • Clusters of tiny, soft-bodied insects on underside of leaves • Whiteflies • Lots of tiny, white moths • Spider Mites • Tiny yellow speckles on leaves • Caterpillars • Black eggs (dots) on channels • Mealybugs • Cottony masses in crooks of stems • Thrips • Tiny insects, curling leaves with white/silver spots Mini Lab: Work with your group to examine the plant leaves at your station 1. What does it look like macroscopically? (when you look at it with the naked eye) 2. What does it look like under a magnifying glass? 3. What does it look like under the microscope? 4. Which pest or disease do you think this is? 5. What would we do with an infected plant or crop? • Fungus Gnats • Swarms of tiny black flies Common Pests
• Gray Mold • Sooty, gray-white lint • Powdery Mildew • Small white spots progress to fine pale covering • Damping Off • • • Wet, dark-looking stem Shrinks and collapses at soil line Caused by “too wet” • Algae • • • Wilt • • Green gunk, can emerge just about anywhere Can only thrive in light Start as small spots Leaves curl, dry, wilt Common Diseases
Hydroponic Mantra “Start Clean, End Clean” • 1. Routinely inspect for pests and diseases • 2. Use “sticky” traps • 3. Use anti-bacterial hand sanitizer • 4. Always clean before planting and after harvesting The majority of diseases are fungal-like pathogens transferred by water. Prevention is much better than curing. Clean Practice
Hydroponic Mantra “Start Clean, End Clean” Keep soil and similar organic materials out of the grow area. • Consider wearing shoes in the grow room that are never worn outdoors Minimize visitor “traffic” Clean Practice
What if a problem arises? Diagnose the problem using books, knowledge, the internet and expert advice. • If possible, Quarantine the effected plants Treat the problem ASAP or destroy the effect plants. Finally: Clean the entire grow area. Remediation
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