Cucumbers are the most popular vegetable in America and one of the most popular crops in the world. They are grown on a large scale and can be found everywhere from grocery stores to restaurants. However, cucumbers, like all plants, are susceptible to pests and diseases that can destroy crops.
How To Control Cucumber Pests Using Compost
Compost is a great way to control cucumber pests and other pest problems. It can be used as a preventative measure or as an organic solution to kill the pests.
The following are some of the best ways to control cucumber pests using compost:
– Add compost around the base of your plants and make sure it is completely covered by a thin layer of mulch or soil.
– Use compost as an organic fertilizer for your plants, but don’t add too much because it will burn them.
Aphids
While aphids are a menace to most plants, they make no distinction between the various plants. They mainly prefer cucumbers, but can infest or destroy other types of plants as well.
Aphids are often a problem in the garden. They can be found on the undersides of leaves, sucking on sap and excreting a honeydew-like substance that attracts other pests–though it may also lead to other diseases like powdery mildew.
Aphids’ eating habits have the potential to weaken plants and can result in yellow leaves, which would eventually lead to the plant dying. If left untreated, this could cause a reduction in yield. Typically, for aphid problems, you would treat infested plants with pesticides by removing their infested leaves in hopes of reaping rewards of a higher yield.
Cucumber Beetles
Other than aphids, cucumber beetles are the most common pest that plague cucumber plants.
If you’re having a tough time keeping these beetles at bay, make sure to read up on the two species mentioned. The striped cucumber beetle is likely of the most concern, although both can cause very severe damage.
Cucumber beetles can eat cucumbers leaves and flowers, leaving holes and sometimes even disintegrating the plant. If this happens in extreme cases, they may also start nibbling on the stem of your cucumber plants.
Cucumber beetles lay their eggs in the soil, where they can then hatch to feed on plants.
Cucumber beetles are notoriously hungry, and if left to munch away, they will cause serious harm to the plant. When they start to eat up all the leaves, they also destroy flowers and fruit, which ultimately leads to a weakened plant.
Thrips
A tiny pest originally found on plants is the thrip. These pests can get into your garden, and close-up pictures show the damage they cause. Thrips can also be found on vegetables & fruits in your organic garden, so you need to be careful if you’re planting one.
Cucumber plants are plagued by two types of pests, including aphids and powdery mildew. These tiny, fly-like insects introduce bacteria into the plant to kill it – so make sure to keep this in mind when you’re planting your cukes! The damage they do is often irreversible and wilts away foliage or the entire plant.
Thrips feed on leaves, causing loss in photosynthesis and eventually stunting the plant growth. Estimates have range from 50-75% reduction in the number of leaves.
Squash Bugs
Squash bugs are a very common pest that lives around the garden or house and can feed off of plants by sucking their juices.
Squash bugs are pests that can be destructive in gardens and households. They like to eat cucumbers, which can make the pests spread very quickly.
Bugs that suck on a plant’s leaves and inject toxins into the plant are some of the most destructive. Not only do they damage foliage and interfere with photosynthesis, but they can also cause permanent damage that could kill the plant. You should take them off your plants immediately.
Whiteflies
Whiteflies are another common little pest that plagues several different plants. They are also known to feed on the trunks and roots of certain trees and plants, which without intervention can lead to a lot of damage.
Whiteflies can sometimes be seen on the undersides of leaves, where they hide and suck up sap. They excrete a sweet substance that attracts other whiteflies; helps in the development of diseases.
Whitefly infestations and other common pests in plants can be problematic. You may have a severe problem if you create an environment that is too moist or densely clusters the plants together. This can result in sooty mold that causes the death of your plant. It is also important to know that these troublesome little insects carry several diseases and you should keep watch on what they
Whiteflies can cause a lot of problems if they infest your cucumber plants. Not only do they weaken the plant, but they also contribute to sooty mold and stunted growth. They can also reduce yields of the crop.
Final Word
Companion planting, introducing beneficial insects, and good garden hygiene are effective methods to help keep pests off your plants. Row covers are also a great addition – they’ll keep the pests away from your plants and help protect them from other potential dangers.
These steps will help make sure your cucumber plants have nothing to worry about and you can enjoy a summer of delicious cucumbers.