Before the gardener collects the long-awaited crop, he will have to face many pests that degrade quality and reduce the number of fruits. Unfortunately, not only fruit crops, but also decorative ones are subject to annual attacks. Insects feed on leaves, plant sap, which significantly spoils the appearance of the plant. In addition, with a strong infection, the tree can completely die.
To preserve the harvest and the attractive appearance of ornamental plants, systemic insecticides are used, which significantly reduce the population of garden pests. Moreover, depending on the active substance, they can have an effect on one or several types of insects.
A nice bonus is that a systemic insecticide of a certain kind can help get rid of weeds. Herbicides penetrate into the plant and burn it with the root. When using it is important to avoid getting on horticultural crops.
Varieties of insecticides in chemical composition
Systemic insecticide is being developed in chemical laboratories based on organic substances. Their toxicity allows you to poison insects, affecting the digestive system and sensory organs. The most common types of systemic insecticides are :
- Organochlorine insecticides are obtained by chlorinating liquid hydrocarbons. Available in the form of powders and oil emulsions. Guaranteed insect death occurs within 7 days after processing the plant by affecting its nervous system. Despite the effectiveness, they have a huge drawback - high toxicity to humans and the environment. Currently practically not used.
- Organophosphorus preparations are orthophosphoric esters. The advantages include a wide spectrum of action - the substance destroys most insects. Of the disadvantages, toxicity to humans is noted, therefore, when spraying, protective gloves and a mask should be used.
- Pyrethroids are aimed at damaging the nervous system of the insect, resulting in death. They are completely safe for humans and animals. Their minus is that with prolonged use, they can be addictive in insects, resulting in a decrease in the effectiveness of the drugs.
Systemic insecticides are popular for their ease of use and high efficacy, but require some safety measures on the part of humans.
Classification by the method of penetration into the body
A systemic insecticide can enter the body of an insect in different ways. Some drugs can combine several methods. Varieties of penetration are as follows:
- Contact-systemic insecticide enters the insect through contact with the surface of the body. Such drugs remain effective until the first rain. Of the shortcomings, gardeners note the lack of action on insect larvae.
- Intestinal have a quick effect: getting into the digestive tract, they almost instantly cause death from poisoning. Often there are combined preparations with a contact-intestinal effect, which penetrate not only through the mouth, but also through contact with the surface of the body.
- Systemic insecticide has the ability to quickly penetrate into the vessels of the plant. Therefore, such drugs are independent of weather conditions. Moreover, they are able to infect not only insects that feed on foliage, fruits or buds, but also those pests that parasitize inside the plant.
The use of systemic insecticides helps to save up to 95% of the fruit plant crop.
Classification by spectrum of action
The following types are distinguished according to the spectrum of action:
- Selective - applicable to control a specific type of pest. The species also includes preparations against ticks and helminths that infect plants.
- Continuous action - aimed at the group destruction of different types of insects.
The choice of drug depends entirely on the needs of the gardener. Some substances are harmless to bees, which are considered beneficial insects, as they help pollinate garden crops.
Types of drugs for industrial purposes
For ease of use, systemic insecticides for the garden are also divided for industrial purposes. They have differences in the nature of the effect on the insect and in chemical composition. The following categories of funds are available:
- Pheromones are substances that attract insects, as they are created on the basis of substances released to attract beetles of the opposite sex. Such traps can massively destroy insects of a certain species.
- Insectoacaricides have a paralytic effect on ticks and other insects. The disadvantage is a harmful effect on the human nervous system. This type requires the use of a protective suit when processing plants.
- Ovicides affect only insect eggs and are harmless to other stages of the life cycle.
- Aphids are used to kill all species of aphids.
- Larvicides are designed to destroy insects at the larval stage.
- Repellents are repellents that do not destroy insects, but their smell makes it clear that the plant is inedible. Used by gardeners for preventive purposes.
Most drugs have high toxicity, so experts do not recommend using them without special need as a prophylaxis.
The best systemic insecticides
The list of systemic insecticides for the garden is long - for each plant a specific preparation is used that acts on an insect that parasitizes this type of culture. The following preparations deserve special attention of gardeners:
- “Decis Lux”, “Aktara”, “Bi-58”, “Zolon”, “Lufoks” - are used on fruit trees, especially often on apple trees, pears and cherries;
- “Actellik”, “Apollo”, “New Bi-58”, “Varant”, “Nissoran”, “Omayt”, “Ortus” - are intended for spraying vineyards;
- "Vertimek", "Karate" - for cucumbers, pumpkins and carrots;
- “Voliam Flexi”, “Danadim Mix”, “Angio”, “Confidor Maxi” - for tomatoes;
- "Reldan", "Helikoveks" - for bell pepper;
- Ratibor, Karate Zeon - for eggplant;
- "Antizhuk", "Calypso", "Matador", "Mospilan", "Fastak", "Fury" - are used to control insects on potatoes, in particular the Colorado potato beetle;
- "Greenfort", "Douglas", "Marsh", "Nurel D", "Pirinex Super", "Sumition" - are used on cereal crops, including for processing large fields;
- "Arrivo", "Fufanon" - for gourds (melon, watermelon);
- “Vertimex”, “Force”, “Omight” - for strawberries.
This list of systemic insecticides is used both in the private sector and in industry. You should use those drugs that are suitable for a particular culture, as they are aimed at the destruction of a particular type of parasite.
Impact on plants and ecology
When processing plants in favorable conditions (suitable air temperature, lack of precipitation, moderate climate humidity), the entire list of systemic insecticides does not harm plants. Despite this, any attempt to treat a plant with a chemical preparation is stress for him. If the dosage is calculated correctly, the drug stimulates the metabolism of plants, in some cases it develops immunity to individual pests.
Soil insecticides have a detrimental effect, which is neutralized only after 10 weeks. They also have a negative effect on fish, beneficial insects (especially bees), and domestic animals. Therefore, it is important to spray far from apiaries, ponds and pastures.
When to process plants
All drugs have instructions for use. in which the dosage is indicated in detail, as well as favorable conditions for spraying. The rules for processing horticultural crops are as follows:
- it is worth considering the phase of the insect's life cycle when choosing an insecticide - for adults it is too late to use ovicites, which act only on eggs;
- when processing with several drugs, their compatibility should be taken into account, because with the wrong approach, chemicals can cause irreparable harm to plants;
- treatment is not performed as a prophylaxis - only if the first symptoms of the lesion are detected;
- during flowering plants should stop spraying - this may affect the quality and quantity of the crop is not for the better;
- the end of spraying occurs 40-45 days before the harvest, as pesticides can harm the human body.
To obtain the maximum effect, processing should be carried out in dry, calm weather, in the evening.
You should also avoid dripping the drug from the leaves and strictly adhere to the instructions from the manufacturer.
Insecticide Treatment Methods
There are several effective chemical treatments that are widely used in gardening. These include the following:
- Spraying the entire surface of the plant with an aqueous solution of the drug. In this case, special equipment is used - a spray gun with a long hose in order to reach the upper branches. It is the most common and effective way to kill insects. Systemic insecticides for fruit trees are used mainly by spraying the drug.
- Pollination with a substance in the form of powder, with this method, the concentration of the drug is higher, which guarantees its effectiveness.
- Digging granules into the soil allows you to fight with the larvae of parasites that develop in the soil.
- Fumigation - spraying chemicals over garden crops in the form of steam.
- Soaking seeds in an aqueous solution of an insecticide allows you to get rid of microscopic insect eggs.
The method is selected individually and depends on the wishes and possibilities of the gardener.
Systemic insecticides for indoor plants
Despite the fact that indoor plants are less susceptible to insect damage than garden plants, this happens. Eggs or larvae of parasites could get along with soil or water for irrigation. The following drugs are used to destroy them:
- "Aktara" - a chemical drug with the active substance thiamethoxam, which destroys pests such as thrips, worms, scale insects, aphids. Ineffective against ticks.
- "Akarin" - a substance that kills insects such as sawflies, leafworms, moths, thrips, aphids. The drug does not pollute the soil and is quickly destroyed by exposure to water.
- Bazudin is effective against insects in any phase of its life cycle. It is applied to the soil during plant transplantation, as well as to the surface of the soil when a parasite is detected.
- Green soap is suitable for controlling bugs, slobber-pennies, thrips, scutes. Due to its composition it is considered an environmentally friendly drug.
- Inta-Vir is available in the form of tablets, which are diluted in water at the rate of 1 tablet per 10 liters of water. The resulting solution is sprayed with the leaves of the plant. Perhaps up to 3 treatments with the drug until the complete destruction of the insect population.
- "Spark" is effective against scale insects, weevils, false shields, mealybugs. The drug is considered conditionally dangerous for humans and pets, therefore, after treatment, pets and children should not be allowed to the plant.
These systemic insecticides for indoor plants are also applicable to horticultural crops, and it is important to comply with the dosage indicated on the product label. If possible, it is worth choosing those products that are harmless to people and pets.
Preparations for conifers
Insects infect conifers no less than garden plants. For this reason, systemic insecticides for conifers are used by gardeners who protect the beauty of the site.
Are affected areas of the tree starting to turn yellow, needles are crumbling, and white plaque appears on them? This indicates the presence of a pest. Often use the following drugs:
- "Confidor", "Mospilan", "Calypso" - against juniper aphids.
- "Aktara", "Angio" - effectively fight the European juniper scale. For a greater effect, the treatment is carried out for 14 days with a frequency of 1 time in 2-3 days with a change of the drug.
- "Caesar", "Nurel-D", "Actelik" - are used to destroy the tick of the Oregon squamous, which parasitizes on all species of conifers. The drug is used at least 3 times with an interval of 10-11 days.
- "Bazudin", "Thunder", "Medvetoks", "Antichrush" effectively destroy the population of marble jungle at all stages of development (from larva to adult). As an alternative method, mulching with a pine bark can be used, which prevents females from laying eggs of tartar eggs in the root zone of a coniferous plant.
When processing chemicals, it is important to consider the recommendations from the manufacturer indicated on the package. A correctly calculated dosage will destroy parasitic insects without harming the plant.
It should be remembered that a small space and high humidity are stimulants of the development of insect pests in the garden. In order to avoid their attack, you must first provide normal conditions for the growth of garden crops.
The proper use of chemical insecticides, taking into account safety precautions and dosage recommendations from the manufacturer, will help preserve the beauty of the site, plant health and yield.