How to control scale insects on pomegranate trees?
Pomegranate is a fruit with a sweet and sour taste, and also a plant with high ornamental value, because its flowers are very brightly colored and its flowering period is relatively long, making it particularly suitable for planting in courtyards and along roadsides. Nowadays, growing pomegranate bonsai is very popular, and placing them at home also serves as a nice decorative touch. During the growth of pomegranate, it is very susceptible to scale insect infestation, so how should it be controlled?
1. How to control pomegranate scale insect infestation?
The most common pest of pomegranate is the scale insect. Once infested, leaf drop and fruit drop will occur, and the entire pomegranate tree will wither and die. This is because scale insects suck sap from the leaves and secrete large amounts of sticky fluid.
If pomegranate is infested by scale insects, chemical treatment can be adopted. Generally, the period after the insects hatch and before the waxy shell forms is a good time for chemical treatment. During pomegranate production, relevant chemicals can be sprayed during the nymph egg hatching period, generally once every ten days, and three to four sprays can bring it under control. Scale insects can also be controlled using natural enemies, such as ladybugs, green lacewings, parasitic wasps, and so on.
2. Key points of pomegranate cultivation techniques
1. Soil conditions
When planting pomegranate, generally choose soil with good looseness, good drainage, and strong air permeability. Generally, deep plowing can be done twice a year, the first time after the autumn harvest, and the second time before spring sprouting, not too deep. Usually during the pomegranate growing season, weeding and loosening the soil can be done according to weather conditions.
2. Fertilization methods
For pomegranate fertilization, the amount used is mainly determined by the size of the plant, with organic fertilizer as the main fertilizer. After the pomegranate flowers fade and during the fruit swelling stage, a top dressing can be applied once. When fertilizing, do not get too close to the tree; the trenching method can be used.
3. Watering methods
For pomegranate watering, water specifically according to the plant's growth conditions and weather conditions. Generally, when the soil is dry, water immediately. Do not water too much at one time, to avoid waterlogging and root rot. If there is a period with relatively high rainfall, be sure to drain excess water in time. Summer temperatures are relatively dry, and water demand is greater, so it is recommended to water in the morning or evening.
4. Harvesting precautions
When harvesting pomegranate, attention should also be paid. Generally, the harvest period is determined by the maturity of the fruit. Generally, harvesting can begin in batches from early September. If the fruit ripening period encounters rainy weather, harvesting can be appropriately brought forward, and if it encounters dry weather, the harvest time can be appropriately postponed.
5. Storage methods
Pomegranate is a fruit that stores relatively well. It only needs to be cooled and placed in a relatively humid environment to be preserved for a relatively long time.