New Methods for Controlling Scale Insects on Orchids and Fertilization Tips for Edible Mushrooms

Scale insects are the most common pests of orchids, mainly parasitizing the stems and leaves of orchids. Scale insects have strong reproductive capacity and can reproduce several generations per year on orchids. There are many species of scale insects, and those commonly seen on orchids include: armored scales, striped mealybugs, orchid scales, chaff scales, and white peach scales. The control methods are as follows:

1. Planting: New soil free of pathogens should be selected for planting orchids. When using old soil, it should be disinfected with formaldehyde solution; mix 110 parts of plant ash with new high-fat film into the soil to prevent the soil from becoming too acidic. Select high-quality varieties, and after planting, spray the soil surface with new high-fat film, which can preserve moisture, prevent water evaporation, protect against sun and drought, prevent soil compaction, suffocate and isolate pest and disease sources, and protect seedlings to grow vigorously.

2. Management: Maintain a ventilated and well-lit growing environment, and provide shade in summer and autumn. Pay attention to reasonable watering and fertilizing, and spray new high-fat film to preserve moisture and fertilizer. When a small amount of pest damage occurs, manual control is usually used. A soft brush can be used to gently brush them off, then rinse clean with water. Timely prune dense, dead, and diseased branches, and thin out excess flower buds. Apply wound healing and anti-corrosion film to pruning wounds to promote wound healing and prevent infection by pathogens and pests. Spray flower stalk strengthening agent on flower buds, which can promote strong flower buds, plump petals, vivid flower colors, rich fragrance, and extended flowering period.

3. Chemical control: Spray pesticide during the peak hatching period of eggs. During this period, the nymphs have just hatched and are easily killed by pesticides. An appropriate amount of 50% omethoate emulsion (or 80% dichlorvos emulsifiable concentrate) plus new high-fat film can be sprayed on the front and back of leaves, once every 5 to 7 days, continuously spraying 3 times or more, with very good results.