What are the common pest species of the Milan flower (Aglaia odorata)
A brief introduction to the Milan flower (Aglaia odorata)
The Milan flower (Aglaia odorata), also known as mi zai lan, four-season Milan and so on, is an evergreen shrub or small tree. Its place of origin is the subtropical regions of Yunnan, Fujian and other areas, and it is mainly distributed in Guangxi, Sichuan, Guizhou and Yunnan. It likes a warm, humid growing environment with plenty of sunlight, is shade-tolerant but not cold-tolerant, and has relatively low requirements for soil, though deep, loose and fertile sandy soil is preferable.
Pests of the Milan flower (Aglaia odorata)
Scale insects
There are many kinds of scale insects; those that harm the Milan flower (Aglaia odorata) are mainly the brown soft scale, the cottony cushion scale and so on. The nymphs and adults pierce and suck the sap of the branches and leaves, causing the leaves of the Milan flower to turn yellow and the branch tips to wither, and in severe cases causing the plant to die.
Control methods: 1. Before the Milan is brought indoors in autumn, thoroughly remove the insects; you can combine this with pruning to remove the infested branches and burn them in a pile, or brush off the insects with a soft brush. 2. Use chemical control, spraying a specifically prepared solution of malathion emulsifiable concentrate or phosmet emulsifiable concentrate, about once every ten days.
Aphids
Aphids pierce and suck the sap, causing the leaves to wither and affecting the healthy growth of the plant.
Control methods: A small number of aphids can be brushed off by hand with a small brush. When there are relatively many aphids, you can spray with mie ya ling (aphid-killing solution) or spray the plant with cigarette butts or chili water.
Red spider mites
Red spider mites are also major pests harming the Milan flower (Aglaia odorata), affecting its healthy growth.
Control methods: Spray the plant with a specifically prepared solution of dimethoate or dichlorvos.
Fellow gardeners, if you find pests on your Milan flower, be sure to control them in time and treat the right problem with the right remedy.