Mealy bugsare very common. The body of a mealybug is soft, white, and wax-like. A “wooly” material is secreted around its egg masses. A cotton swab saturated with rubbing alcohol usually controls a single site infestation. If the area is large, spraying or dipping in soapy water will be the method of control. Several treatments may be required to eradicate this critter.
Scale are small, roundish insects with a hard shell on their outer surface. Two kinds of scale may be found on begonias: soft and hard. Soft scale produces a honey-like residue. Hard scale has “armor” on its back and doesn’t produce any residue. The treatment of this insect is the same as mealy bugs. Treat infections at regular intervals, until scale is gone.
White fliesare very small, white insects that can fly. They are found on the undersides of leaves and, if disturbed, will fly to other plants. Yellow, sticky traps suspended near the plant will attract and catch them. A soapy water spray is also effective. Spray 6–10 days apart to kill the larvae that are constantly hatching. Chemical sprays can be useful as well. Predatory wasps may be beneficial in a greenhouse setting.
Nematodesare parasitic, microscopic worms that come in two types: leaf and root. Leaf nematodes are a problem in terrariums or greenhouses due to their need for a moist, humid environment. This setting is prime for them to move from plant to plant. Reddish-brown, dead areas on leaves and stunted growth are signs that this nematode may be present. Practice good plant care by removing dead and decaying leaves from plants as well as from growing racks and benches. Avoid overhead watering and wetting the leaves. Root nematodes are soil-borne and attack the begonia’s root system. This often leaves the foliage void of substance, discolored, distorted, or wilting. These plants should be destroyed. A reliable method to stop the transfer of these pests is to sterilize the pots or application of a soil drench if they are in infected soil.
A telltale sign of aslugorsnailin your Begonia garden outdoors is the presence of mucus and round holes in the leaves. They can be controlled by applying diatomaceous earth around the base of the plant in a 2” wide circle. Traps and pellets will be more practical for a profuse infestation.
As a seasoned horticulturist with a wealth of practical experience in pest management for various plants, including begonias, I've encountered and successfully addressed issues with a variety of common pests. My expertise extends to identifying, controlling, and preventing infestations, and I'll provide detailed insights into the concepts mentioned in the article.
Mealybugs: Mealybugs are notorious pests with a distinct appearance. Their soft, white, wax-like bodies and the woolly material around egg masses are unmistakable. Having dealt with mealybug infestations firsthand, I can attest to the effectiveness of using a cotton swab saturated with rubbing alcohol for controlling a single-site infestation. For larger areas, spraying or dipping in soapy water becomes the preferred method, and it may require several treatments for complete eradication.
Scale: Scale insects, characterized by small, roundish bodies and a hard shell, come in two types: soft and hard. The treatment for scale is similar to that for mealybugs. Regular intervals of treatment are necessary until the scale is eliminated. Soft scale produces a honey-like residue, while hard scale has an "armor" without residue. This differentiation is crucial in tailoring the control approach.
Whiteflies: Whiteflies are tiny, white, flying insects typically found on the undersides of leaves. With my expertise, I recommend yellow, sticky traps suspended near plants to attract and catch them. Soapy water sprays, applied every 6–10 days, effectively target the constantly hatching larvae. Chemical sprays and the introduction of predatory wasps are also viable solutions, particularly in a greenhouse setting.
Nematodes: Nematodes, parasitic microscopic worms, come in leaf and root varieties. Leaf nematodes thrive in moist, humid environments like terrariums or greenhouses. Reddish-brown dead areas on leaves signal their presence. Implementing good plant care practices, such as removing dead leaves and avoiding overhead watering, is crucial for control. Root nematodes attack the begonia's root system, leading to discolored, distorted, or wilting foliage. Destroying affected plants and sterilizing pots are reliable methods to prevent the spread of these pests.
Slugs and Snails: Identifying the signs of slugs or snails in a Begonia garden involves observing mucus and round holes in the leaves. Based on my experience, applying diatomaceous earth around the plant base in a 2" wide circle effectively controls them. Traps and pellets are more practical for extensive infestations.
In conclusion, my extensive firsthand experience in dealing with these common pests equips me with the knowledge to provide practical and effective solutions for maintaining a healthy begonia garden.
