Content
Spring is the period of main growth of berry bushes. Plants intensively gain green mass; subsequent fruiting depends on the degree of growth. But at this time, colonies of parasitic pests spread. Ammonia against aphids on currants gets rid of pests and feeds the bush with the microelements necessary for the growing season.
Does ammonia help against aphids on currants?
Aphids are insects that parasitize fruit trees and vegetable crops, but the main accumulation is noted on young shoots and currant leaves. The presence of the pest is determined by the condition of the leaves; they curl and dark, raised spots appear on the surface.
Light green shoot aphids are found on black currants. The white, yellow and red ones are parasitized by the gall aphid, a microscopic insect, so it is almost impossible to see it. It is often mistakenly believed that the plant is affected by an infection, and incorrect identification of the cause leads to a worsening of the condition, because the methods of combating the disease and parasites are different.
Pests feed on the sap 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. The substances kill all living organisms, including bees that pollinate the bush. The use of pesticides during flowering and fruit set is not recommended. Therefore, ammonia for aphids on currants is the best option for eliminating the problem:
- ammonia kills the pest;
- the product is easily accessible, 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 currant growth. The plant is processed at certain time intervals, the last one when the currants have formed berries. 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 in ammonia that acts on aphids 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 effect of ammonia on aphids after currant treatment occurs quite 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 impair respiratory function. Ammonia triggers a mechanism of irreversible actions in the insect’s body:
- a burn occurs in 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 action time of ammonia is 40 minutes, then the insect dies.
Preparation of the solution
The product is sold in 40 ml bottles. The volume of solution is sufficient to process 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 product is used for preventive purposes. Ingredients of the solution for feeding currants and preventing pests:
- ammonia - ¼ bottle;
- water – 10 l;
- tar liquid soap – 4 tbsp. l.
Currant bushes are sprayed, the remainder of the solution is suitable as root feeding not only for currants, but also for all fruit trees and berry bushes on the site. Application of nitrogen fertilizers after this is not required.
To combat aphids, make a more concentrated solution. 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 commercially available liquid laundry soap for treating currants against aphids, or 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 sharp, specific odor that will repel other insects that parasitize currants. Aphids do not have a chitinous shell; the alkali in soap is harmful to them.
Methods for processing currants with ammonia
Treatment of currants with ammonia is carried out on a windless day in the morning or evening. The time of day was not chosen by chance - this is the period of minimal pest activity. In sunny weather, ammonia quickly evaporates, so spraying is not effective enough.
The equipment for work is chosen taking into account that the sprayer is not small; a spray bottle for indoor plants is not suitable. The Garden is equipped with a device that regulates the volume of droplets and the flow of the jet; it is used most often. As a last resort, you can use a watering can, but the product consumption will be greater.
The main task when processing currants is to ensure that ammonia gets to the main place where aphids accumulate. The tops of the stems and the bottom of the leaves are treated. After spraying, the problem areas of the plant should be completely wet. Then spray the rest of the bush crown. If there is a strong concentration 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. Stop using ammonia only after the currant berries begin to color in the color appropriate to the variety.
Ammonia is an effective insecticidal agent; it is enough to spray twice to rid the bushes of aphids.
Precautionary measures
When working with ammonia, you must follow safety precautions. 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 allergic to ammonia. For protection, use a gauze bandage, ideally a respirator.
When sprayed, the ammonia solution disperses in space, and it is possible that it gets into the eyes and mouth. Ammonia will not cause poisoning; the dosage in the solution is safe for humans, but redness and itching around the lips may occur. If it gets into the eyes, ammonia causes redness, burning and tearing. It is recommended to wear special safety glasses during operation.
Work on preparing a working solution from ammonia is carried out wearing rubber gloves; they are also used during work. Depending on the structure of the epidermis on the hands, ammonia can cause irritation and burns.
Advice from experienced gardeners
The effectiveness of ammonia against aphids is debated by both fans and skeptics. The product is used as a top dressing; the benefits are beyond doubt. According to experienced gardeners, the drug is not inferior to chemicals, you just need to use it correctly.
A few tips to increase the effectiveness of using ammonia in the garden:
- The working solution is made only in cold water and used immediately.
- Aphids can fly to neighboring plants; reproduction in insects is asexual, so healthy and affected currant bushes are treated with ammonia.
- If it rains after treatment, the procedure is repeated.
- Constant spraying of an annual plant is not recommended, as salts accumulate in the soil, which inhibits the development of the root system.
- You should not frequently use ammonia; excess nitrogen will have the opposite effect, the leaves will turn yellow, and the ovaries may fall off. The plant is treated no more than once every 14 days.
When pests first appear, it is necessary to inspect the area for anthills. Ants “breed” aphids and protect them from external enemies. During their life, aphids secrete a secretion - honeydew, a sweet substance that ants feed on.
Conclusion
Gardeners have been using ammonia for aphids on currants for a long time and quite successfully. The solution destroys pests by affecting the digestive and respiratory systems. The drug is used for preventive purposes. Due to the high concentration of nitrogen in the product, it is used to feed shrubs.
