Chilli Plant Pests Attack Protect DIY Ideas: The main reasons for sucking insects in chilli plants are hot weather, excess moisture, dense planting and poor plant care. Know how you can keep plants healthy without spending much by trying selected DIY ideas.
If the leaves of your chilli crop suddenly start curling, new shoots shrink or small green, black or white insects appear under the leaves, then understand that the plant has been attacked by sap-sucking pests. These insects suck the juice of the plant and make it weak, due to which the growth of chilli stops and the fruits also start growing small or crooked. The good thing is that if these insects are identified in the beginning itself, then by adopting some easy DIY ideas, plants can be kept safe without expensive chemicals.
After all, why do sucking insects appear in chilli?
Chilli plants are mostly attacked by insects like Aphids, Whiteflies, Thrips and Spider Mites. These pests grow rapidly in hot and humid weather. If plants are planted too densely, there is little air flow or continuous nitrogen fertilization is applied, new tender leaves emerge rapidly, which are easily attacked by these insects.
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How to identify sucking insects?
If the new leaves of the chilli plant are turning inwards, sticky fluid is visible on the leaves or small ants are roaming on the plant, it could be a sign of sucking insects. Sometimes the color of the leaves starts turning pale and the growth of the plant also stops. Ignoring these symptoms affects both flowers and fruits.
DIY Neem Spray is the most effective solution
Neem oil is considered a natural insecticide. Prepare a solution by mixing 5–7 ml of neem oil and a few drops of liquid soap in one liter of water. Spray this mix thoroughly on top and bottom of the leaves in the morning or evening. Using it once or twice a week can significantly reduce the insect count.
Homemade Garlic and Green Pepper Spray
Grind 10–12 garlic cloves and 2–3 green chillies and soak them overnight in one liter of water. The next day, filter it and fill it in a spray bottle. The strong smell of this spray helps in keeping many sucking insects away from the plants.
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Use mild soapy water
If the number of insects on the plant is less, then mix half a teaspoon of mild liquid soap in one liter of water and spray it. This solution affects the outer layer of the insects, causing them to gradually die off. Keep in mind not to use detergent powder, as it can burn the leaves.
Strong water spray is also effective
Initially, the insects present under the leaves can be removed by sprinkling strong water in the morning. After this, allow the plants to get good sunlight and air so that moisture does not persist for long.
set yellow sticky traps
Whiteflies and many flying insects are attracted to the color yellow. Placing yellow sticky traps between plants helps in reducing the number of these insects and also reduces the speed of spread of infection.
Regular cleaning of plants is necessary
Keep removing dry leaves, infected branches and weeds from time to time. Keeping the garden clean reduces the chances for insects to flourish. Also keep proper distance between the plants so that air flow remains maintained.
Control ants also
Insects such as aphids are often associated with ants. Ants protect these insects because they like the sweet substance released from them. If the number of ants in pots or beds is kept low, the incidence of aphids can also be reduced to a great extent.