What to Do When Lilacs Get Pests? Control Methods for 2 Pests and 3 Diseases

When growing lilacs, if the methods are wrong, pests and diseases can easily appear, which will not only ruin the beauty of the lilac but also cause it to wither and die. What to do when lilacs get pests? How should pest and disease control for lilacs be done? Below, the editor takes you through it.

I. What to Do When Lilacs Get Pests

To know what to do when lilacs get pests, we first need to know which pest or disease has appeared. Only by finding the cause can we deal with it in a targeted way. Below are the symptoms and treatment methods for various pests and diseases; interested friends can take a look.

II. Pest and Disease Control for Lilacs

1. Slug moth pest

Symptoms: This pest looks rather like a moth, only relatively small, generally around 13-18mm. It mainly feeds on lilac leaves, gradually nibbling away at them, and if left untreated for a long time it may leave the lilac completely bare.

Control method: When dealing with this pest, we can choose to spray the pests with a 1000-fold dilution of 50% phoxim emulsifiable concentrate.

2. Scale insect pest

Symptoms: In lilac pest and disease control, scale insects are a relatively common pest. They mainly harm lilac leaves, sucking the sap from the leaves, causing the leaves to lose nutrients and gradually turn yellow and wither. It is an extremely harmful pest.

Control method: When this pest appears, it must be dealt with as early as possible; if delayed too long, it can easily cause the lilac to lose too many nutrients and wither. For this pest, we can use a 1000-fold dilution of 40% omethoate to spray and kill it.

3. Wilt disease

Symptoms: Wilt disease is a disease caused by bacteria. In the early stages, some yellow diseased spots appear on the lilac leaves and gradually spread, finally causing the leaves to keep falling off, and eventually spreading to the roots and causing the whole plant to die.

Control method: For this disease, we can use a 1000-fold dilution of 50% carbendazim wettable powder to spray and treat the diseased plant. Generally, spray once every 7-12 days, and after 1-2 times it can basically recover.

4. Powdery mildew disease

Symptoms: Powdery mildew disease is a relatively common one in lilac pest and disease control. In the early stages, some white powdery mold layers appear on the leaves, and over time they gradually corrode the lilac leaves, finally causing the leaves to gradually wither and fall off.

Control method: Powdery mildew has a very strong spreading ability, so it must be controlled in the early stages; if too much time passes, it is very difficult to cure completely. In early control, we can generally choose to use 150 grams of sulfur plus 100 grams of benzothiazole-cymoquinone (benthiavalicarb-cymoxanil) with water to spray and control the diseased plant.

5. Root rot disease

Symptoms: The peak period for root rot disease is from March to May each year, and special attention must be paid at this time. Root rot, just like its name, mainly harms the roots of lilacs. After infection, the roots gradually rot, finally causing the whole plant to die.

Control method: When controlling this disease, we can use a 500-fold dilution of Duoning or a 600-fold dilution of Kobo to drench the roots of the lilac. Generally once every 5-7 days, and after 2-3 times it can basically be completely controlled.

A Blooming World, Fresh and Refreshing

A Blooming World, Fresh and Refreshing (Photo)

    The colorful and splendid summer flowers should not exist only in cool garments and fresh mountain fields; they should also bloom in our homes, adorning our surroundings, sharing a piece of the world with us, and creating a room filled with fragrance - a "blooming world." Petal by petal and wisp after wisp of delicate scent surround the body, and a cheerful, refreshed state of mind naturally appears. In leisure moments, carefully tending the flowers and plants full of boundless life vitality, the process of harvest is always accompanied by an optimistic spirit of self-entertainment. Gloom and stuffy heat are swept away, leaving only refreshment and fragrance throughout the room. Flowers in the home have many benefits. Benefit One: Filtering the Air

    In summer, air conditioners are used extremely often in the home, doors and windows are closed, and air circulation becomes poor. Therefore, it is suitable to grow some flowers that can filter the air in the home. Most flowers carry out photosynthesis during the day, absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen, and respire at night, absorbing oxygen and releasing carbon dioxide, while cacti, Orostachys, and the like are just the opposite. Growing these air-filtering flowers together with other flowers in the same room can effectively balance the indoor oxygen and carbon dioxide levels and keep indoor air fresh. Benefit Two: Removing Toxicity

    Spider plant, aloe, and snake plant can absorb large amounts of indoor pollutants such as formaldehyde, eliminating and preventing indoor air pollution. Spider plant especially: place one pot in a room, and within 24 hours its leaves will "eat up" harmful gases such as carbon monoxide in the indoor air, with an effect even exceeding that of an air filter. Aglaia, orchids, lilacs, cacti, and Asparagus can all effectively purify the air. 

    Camellia can resist the harm of harmful substances such as sulfur dioxide, and crape myrtle has relatively strong resistance to indoor toxic gases such as sulfur dioxide, hydrogen chloride, chlorine, and hydrogen fluoride. Plum has monitoring ability for pollution in the environment such as sulfur dioxide, hydrogen fluoride, hydrogen sulfide, ethylene, benzene, and aldehydes. Once sulfides appear in the environment, markings will appear on its leaves, and they may even turn yellow and fall off. 

    Precisely because flowers have these functions, rooms that have just been renovated are more suitable for growing these flowers. It should be pointed out that these functions of plants are limited, so windows should still be opened often to allow air convection. Benefit Three: Killing Germs 

    The volatile oils produced by fragrant flowers such as rose, osmanthus, stock, jasmine, lemon, rose (Rosa multiflora), dianthus, lily of the valley, and crape myrtle have significant bactericidal effects. Plants such as crape myrtle, jasmine, and lemon can kill diphtheria bacteria and dysentery bacteria and other native bacteria within 5 minutes. 

    The fragrances given off by plants such as Rosa multiflora, dianthus, lily of the valley, stock, rose, and osmanthus have a clear inhibitory effect on the growth and reproduction of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, pneumococcus, and staphylococcus. 

    It should be noted that although flowers have many benefits, one should not turn the home into a "flower house." Most flowers release carbon dioxide and absorb oxygen at night, and at night most homes are closed up; adding the carbon dioxide exhaled by the soil in the pots, people, and pets will increase the carbon dioxide concentration, cause oxygen deficiency in the human body, and affect health. Experienced Tips on Getting Flowers Through Summer 

    Veteran grower: Grandpa Xie, 61 years old, retired, 40 years of growing flowers. 

    Key tip: Pay attention to placement. 

    It is very important to decide placement according to habits. Flowers are divided into shade-loving and sun-loving types, and in summer especially, placement should be decided according to the habits of each flower. Orchids, rhododendrons, camellias, and clivias are shade-loving and should be placed at the base of a south wall or on a north-facing balcony; the light in the morning and evening is enough. Chinese roses, lotus, osmanthus, jasmine, and orchids are sun-loving, and whether on a building balcony or downstairs, they should all be placed in a sunny spot; only then can they bloom more, have a strong fragrance, and grow vigorously. 

    Veteran grower: Miss Liu, 25 years old, university lecturer, 5 years of growing flowers. 

    Key tip: Water at the right time and in the right amount. 

    When watering flowers in summer, it should be done at the right time and in the right amount, watering in the morning and evening and not at noon. It is also best to water with stored rainwater; when there is no rainwater, tap water can be used, but the tap water should be left in the sun for more than a day before watering. The number of waterings depends on whether the pot is dry or wet; the potting soil should be allowed to dry before watering and then watered thoroughly, to ensure the roots can breathe normally, generally watering 1 to 2 times a day. The leaves can also be sprayed with water appropriately. For acid-loving flowers, it is best to water with 0.2% to 0.3% ferrous sulfate solution to prevent iron deficiency and chlorosis. Some flowers with fleshy roots, such as clivia, cannot withstand strong sun, so some water can be sprayed appropriately on the leaves at noon when it is relatively dry. Some relatively drought-tolerant flowers, such as cacti and succulents of the Crassulaceae family, should "drink" less water; too much water easily causes root rot. 

    Veteran grower: Ms. Zhang, 37 years old, civil servant, 14 years of growing flowers. 

    Key tip: Pay attention to moisture retention and sun protection. 

    The key to growing flowers on a building balcony is the humidity issue, that is, moisture retention and sun protection. Summer sunlight is strong; if the flowers are moved indoors, it will cause poor growth due to lack of sunlight. Flowers leaning toward the sun-loving side are not afraid of strong sunlight, but still need shade at noon. If they are neutral, they need appropriate shading. If they are balcony potted flowers, they can be moved indoors between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. each day. If they are shade-loving, contact with strong light must be absolutely prevented. It is best to set up a shade net for the flowers, which also protects against hail damage while shading. In addition, depending on the variety, place a water-catching tray under the pot to ensure humidity. 

    Veteran grower: Mr. Sun, 43 years old, doctor, 32 years of growing flowers. 

    Key tip: Prevent and control pests and diseases. 

    The rainy season is a time when potted flower pests and diseases occur frequently. About every half month, spray once with a 1000-fold dilution of 20% thiophanate-methyl wettable powder, or a 1000-fold dilution of 50% carbendazim wettable powder, to prevent pests and diseases. When pests such as aphids, red spider mites, and scale insects occur, spray a 1000-fold to 1500-fold dilution of 40% dimethoate emulsifiable concentrate, or a 1500-fold to 2000-fold dilution of 20% fenpropathrin (fenpropathrin) emulsifiable concentrate, once every 10 days, for 3 consecutive sprays. 

    Veteran grower: Grandma Guo, 74 years old, retired, 53 years of growing flowers. 

    Key tip: Fertilize in the right amount.

    Fertilizing in summer should be done in the right amount. Too much fertilizer cannot be absorbed by the flowers and instead harms the root system. Generally, flowers that bloom in summer are relatively tolerant of high temperatures and can be given a bit more fertilizer, such as crape myrtle, jasmine, impatiens, cockscomb, and dahlia; fertilizer can be supplemented during the flowering period to make them lush with branches and leaves. For some ornamental-fruit flowers such as kumquat and five-color pepper, applying phosphorus fertilizer after the flowers fade can make them bear more fruit. For tropical foliage plants such as rubber tree and Monstera, nitrogen fertilizer should be applied to make the leaves greener. Apply thin fertilizer frequently; too high a concentration easily causes fertilizer burn. Expert Tips: How to Prevent Pests and Diseases in Flowers 

    Preventing and controlling pests and diseases is an important part of growing flowers. On this issue, the solution given by experts is: 

    1. Detergent kills whiteflies. Whiteflies not only suck leaf sap but also secrete sticky substances that make leaves wither. Mix one spoonful of detergent with 4 liters of water evenly, spray it on the leaves, and spray once every 5-7 days until the whiteflies are completely eliminated. 

    2. Milk kills mites. Mites often attach to the stems and leaves of flowers, causing the branches and leaves to discolor and wither. Mix half a cup of fresh milk and 4 cups of flour with 20 liters of water, then filter through gauze and spray the liquid on the branches and leaves of the flowers. It can not only kill mites but also kill eggs. 

    3. Flour prevents and controls pests. If potted flowers develop pests or diseases, take a small amount of flour, first mix it into a paste with cold water, then scald it with an appropriate amount of boiling water, and make a 1:50 solution. Spraying it on a sunny day will have good results. 

    4. Watermelon rind plus cigarette butts can also treat pests. Place a washed watermelon rind upside down on the potting soil, and you can skip watering for several days; it is excellent nourishment for potted flowers. If you place a few cigarette butts under the rind, after the tar and nicotine seep into the potting soil, they can kill many common small insects. 

    5. In addition, after drying used tea leaves in the sun, sprinkling them on the surface of the potting soil can also prevent flowers from getting pests. 

    Clever Summer Care for Flowers 

    Jasmine: Summer is the peak flowering period for jasmine; sufficient water and fertilizer help it produce abundant flowers and lush leaves. On sunny days, spraying the leaf surfaces with clean water can clearly stimulate flowering. 

    Orchid: Summer is the peak growing season for orchids, and water and nutrients should be ensured. When disease occurs, thiophanate-methyl can be sprayed once every 10 days for treatment.

 
    Rhododendron: In summer, rhododendrons grow slowly and are in a semi-dormant state. Avoid harsh sun exposure and excessive fertilization, and provide shading. Water 1 to 2 times a day, and spray water on the leaves and ground to retain moisture and lower the temperature. 

    Tree peony: It fears heat and moisture. In summer, the plant should be placed in a ventilated, cool place. There is no need to water too much; keeping the potting soil moist is enough, to avoid root rot. 

    Chinese rose: It likes fertilizer and water, so a sufficient supply of fertilizer and water should be ensured. Apply decomposed soybean cake water once every half month, and stop fertilizing in mid-July. In summer, black spot disease and powdery mildew easily occur; use Bordeaux mixture for the former and carbendazim for the latter, spraying once every half month for control. 

    Aglaia: It likes light and heat, and in summer Aglaia grows vigorously. Around the flowering period, apply dilute ferrous sulfate fertilizer water once every 10 days, and frequently spray water on the leaves.