Pests, diseases and mistakes in caring for trailing and your garden

Regular checks of plant leaves and shoot tips should be done to quickly identify and prevent spread of pests and diseases. Plants need to be cared for, watered well and given the right amounts of nutrients to make them less susceptible to attack by pests and disease.

Common pests include aphids which are greenish/ brownish. They attack buds, young shoots and leaves. Aphid attack symptoms are sticky, crinkled and rolled up leaves. Aphids thrive in warm, moist weather and weak plants. Plant protection agents are aphids' number one enemy.

Spider mites are normally seen on the underside of leaves and like aphids also thrive in warm conditions. However they do not breed in humid weather and they an be prevented by having decent air circulation around the plant. Plant protection agents are your best defence when it comes to spider mites.

Powdery mildew

The symptoms are a flour-like film on the top of the undersides of leaves, stalks and flower buds. Powdery mildew is pronounced in cool, wet weather. To prevent mildew avoid getting the leaves wet when watering and protect the plant from rain. Plant-fortifying agents prevent mildew.

Sunburn

The symptoms are a reddish-brown discoloration of the leaves normally on parts of the plant that face the sun. Symptoms are similar to a red spider infection. Sunburn is caused by exposure to high sunlight, ozone burns and night frost. Protect the plant from the plant from the above conditions.

Over fertilizing

Victims are characterized by brown shoot tips, buds, flowers and leaves with moulds. It is caused by too much fertilizer for sensitive plants/ affected areas do not dry up nor do they drop off.

Dryness

Affected parts are yellowish brown and very dry. The plant will need water and fertilizer.

Nutrient deficiency

Nutrient deficiency is caused by lack of proper fertilization. Heavy rains also lead to plant nutrient deficiency because they wash away nutrients in the soil. Use leaf fertilizer in the evening and in calm weather.

Plant Protection

There always say protection is better tan cure. You can save yourself a lot of trouble by looking after your plants well. Disease and pest normally thrive when your plants are weak. Select the right position, the right fertilizer (in the right amounts) for your plant. Water the plants at least twice per week.

Mechanical methods.

Remove the pests by hand and using a garden hose to spray the leaves with water. Alternatively one can cut off the affected parts.

Biological measures

1. Use brews, fermented brews or plant extracts when the infestation is not severe. Do not over use them as they may damage the plant

2. soap solution mixed with methylated spirits are good defence systems for aphids and spider mites. Spray the affected areas.

3. Garlic brew is effective against fungal infections

4. Paraffin and oil based preparations which are non-toxic clog up pests breathing ducts with a film of oil.

5. Pyrethrum extracts from an African chrysanthemum affects pest nerves. They are also toxic to human beings and thus should be used sparingly.

Chemical agents

Chemical agents should only be employed when all other methods have failed.

  • Do not use highly toxic agents

  • Follow usage dosage on instructions

  • Wear rubber gloves , do not eat, drink, smoke while using the agents

  • Do not inhale the spray mist

  • Spray on calm days

  • Do not spray in sunlight

  • Keep agents in original packets

  • Dispose of remains of agents. Do not keep them