In May, aphids wake up, so processing currants during this period becomes mandatory. Even folk recipes can be harmful if the proportions are not followed. For example, excess iodine in milk causes leaves to burn and shoots to curl. So it’s better to use a proven and safe composition that can be prepared in just 10 minutes.
When to start processing
Aphids wake up as soon as the air temperature rises above 10 degrees. If you notice curled shoot tips, be sure to check the leaves. Most likely, their reverse side is already covered with small insects.
Bushes should be treated immediately when a pest is detected, without waiting for the colony to grow. If you miss the moment, instead of two treatments you will need as many as four, says an experienced gardener, author of the blog “The Ideal Vegetable Garden” (18+).
How to prepare the solution
We will need:
- laundry soap 72% – creates a film on the leaves and makes conditions unbearable for aphids;
- baking soda – after drying, it forms an alkaline environment, which is unpleasant for the pest;
- wood ash – clogs the respiratory openings of insects and at the same time feeds the bush with potassium and calcium.
First, dissolve 100 g of laundry soap in 2 liters of hot water. Separately, dilute 200 g of ash in a small amount of water and strain through cheesecloth. Add 4 tablespoons of baking soda to the bucket with the remaining water, and then pour in the soap and ash solutions.
The temperature of the finished mixture should be room temperature. Use the composition immediately – it cannot be stored.
How to process
Spray currants in the morning or evening when there is no direct sun. Be sure to lift the branches and carefully treat the undersides of the leaves – this is where aphids live. Carry out the first treatment immediately when a pest is detected, and the second after 7 days.
