Control Methods for Orchid Pests and Mollusks

Insect DamageOrchidsThere are mainly two aspects. First, piercing-suckingorchidsleaf sap, causing orchid seedling leaves to curl. Yellowing, drying up, and even death. Second, spreading pathogenic bacteria and viruses that harm orchid plants. Therefore, controllingorchidpests is very important. The pests and mollusks that endangerorchidsmainly include the following types. 1. Scale insects Scale insects, also known as coccids, mainly parasitize leaves. The adults are covered with white or other colored secretions (called scale shells), making them easy to identify. Scale insects not only suck orchid sap but also cause diseases and affect photosynthesis. Control methods: Remove the insects manually by brushing them off with a brush and then washing with water. For chemical control, spray omethoate or subu-sha. Improving ventilation conditions and avoiding high temperature and high humidity can prevent the spread of scale insects. 2. Thrips Thrips are one of the important pests of orchids. Nymphs and adults pierce and suck the sap of leaf buds, flower buds, and stamens, seriously affecting the growth of orchid seedlings and flower scapes, and even causing seedlings. Flower scapes to wither, and petals to curl and dry up. Control methods: Spray with pesticides such as dichlorvos, omethoate, and dimehypo. Because thrips reproduce quickly, spraying should be continued once every 10 days during the peak outbreak period to ensure normal growth of orchid leaf buds. Flower buds. 3. Whiteflies Whiteflies are small in size and covered with white waxy powdery material. They often gather on the undersides of leaves, sucking sap, causing poor plant growth. In severe cases, plants wither and die, and disease infection is triggered. Control methods: Whiteflies reproduce quickly. Once discovered, they should be promptly sprayed with pesticides such as malathion, deltamethrin, and dichlorvos. 4. Mites Mites are extremely small, less than 1 mm long. They pierce and suck leaf sap and root juices, spread pathogenic bacteria and viruses, and harm orchids. Control methods: Spray with pesticides such as dicofol, propargite, bromopropylate, and fenpropathrin. 5. Slugs and Snails Slugs and snails are both mollusks. They are mostly active at night, eating orchid young shoots and tender leaves, and spreading viruses and pathogenic bacteria. Control methods: First, manual capture and killing; second, using arsenic trioxide or trichlorfon mixed with bait (bran, green grass) for trap killing; third, spreading quicklime to block the passages of snails and slugs.