Winter Flower Chapter 1

It is a common assumption that hydroponic agricultural systems which are mostly enclosed are free of insect pests and other disease causing organisms. This however is not true. Due to the absence of natural environmental checks hydroponic systems may be infected with pest populations that may spread quite quickly if not given attention immediately.

Spider mites are common nuisances that grow on plants in soil less systems. Growing on the underside of leaves they can start infecting plants unnoticed. To prevent spider mites from growing again, spraying leaves with a solution of rosemary oil or rosemary oil-based pesticide is recommended and so are pyrethrin-based (chrysanthemum flower extract) sprays.

Pyrethrinsprays have very little effect on flavor quality of fruits and vegetables but spider mites can develop a resistance to it if used frequently. Neem oils can also be used to control spider mites although they should be sprayed onto plants before fruiting or flowering begins since the flavor of the developing fruit may be affected.

Other types of plant pests like fungi can cause damage to plants in hydroponic systems as well. An all-purpose cure of water, baking soda, lemon juice and a very minute amount of dish detergent sprayed on affected parts of plants has proven to be effective. When using this solution it is important to make sure that all areas open to the nutrient solution are properly covered so that the soap bubbles don't develop on the nutrient solution. Another all-purpose approach to controlling plant pests is the Bordeaux mixture which is composed of ground lime and copper sulfate. This solution although tried and tested for more than a century in effectively controlling fungal growth however is not very organic.

Another approach to plant disease control which is ideal for use in hydroponic systems is known as biological fungus killer which is basically the use of naturally occurring and unmodified bacteria and fungi to attach plant infestation. This method is effective in four ways. Biofungicides attack disease causing organisms by producing chemical compounds that interfere with and eventually kill the disease causing organism.

Biofungicides can also consume the food of pests or use its living space to completely eradicate the pest. These can also feed directly on the fungus or pest using it as a host. Lastly, biofungicides may produce natural antibiotics that can elevate the plant's capacity to resist diseases. These natural fungus-killing organisms are safer and more stable when it comes to storage compared to toxic chemicals. They are not toxic to plants too despite repeated use. These chemicals however have their disadvantages as well. The organisms have a narrower target range, require more preparation prior to their use and have a shorter shelf life compared to chemicals.

If you want to learn more about the topic discussed in the article, you can visit our website. You can learn about fungus gnat prevention and other types of pest prevention techniques by watching this about some details related to the topic.