Pests & Diseases
Identification, prevention, organic solutions, and IPM
Organic Pest Control Recipes
Neem Oil Spray
Mix: 2 tbsp neem oil + 1 tsp liquid soap + 1 liter water. Shake well. Spray on leaves (top and bottom) in evening. Effective against aphids, whiteflies, mealybugs. Reapply every 7 days.
Garlic-Pepper Spray
Mix: Blend 10 garlic cloves + 2 hot peppers + 1 liter water. Steep overnight. Strain. Add 1 tsp soap. Spray on plants. Deters caterpillars, beetles, and many insects.
Baking Soda Fungicide
Mix: 1 tbsp baking soda + 1 tsp liquid soap + 1 gallon water. Spray on powdery mildew and leaf spot. Apply weekly as prevention. Do not apply in direct sun.
Herb Infusion
Mix: Steep 200g crushed basil, mint, or lavender in 1 liter boiling water for 24 hours. Strain. Dilute 1:10. Spray on aphids and spider mites. Pleasant scent for humans.
Companion Planting for Pest Control
✅ Pest-Repelling Companions
- Marigold: Deters nematodes, whiteflies, aphids
- Basil: Repels aphids, whiteflies, mosquitoes
- Lavender: Deters moths, fleas, flies
- Chrysanthemum: Natural pyrethrin source, kills insects
- Tansy: Repels ants, beetles, squash bugs
✅ Beneficial Insect Attractors
- Sweet Alyssum: Attracts lacewings (aphid predators)
- Dill: Attracts ladybugs and parasitic wasps
- Fennel: Attracts hoverflies and beneficial wasps
- Cosmos: Attracts predatory beetles
- Sunflower: Attracts pollinators and pest predators
IPM Decision Flowchart
🌿 Integrated Pest Management Steps
- Scout Weekly: Walk through fields every 7 days. Check undersides of leaves, new growth, and flower buds.
- Identify: Is it a pest, disease, or nutrient deficiency? Use photos and guides.
- Assess Damage: Is it cosmetic or threatening yield? Economic threshold: treat if >10% of plants affected.
- Choose Response: Cultural control first → Biological control → Low-risk organic → Chemical (last resort).
- Apply Treatment: Follow label instructions. Time applications for early morning or evening.
- Monitor Results: Check again in 3–7 days. Repeat if necessary. Rotate products to prevent resistance.
Common Pests
Aphids
Aphis gossypii
Sap-sucking insects on new growth causing leaf curling and sooty mold.
Whiteflies
Bemisia tabaci
White flying insects transmitting viruses and weakening plants.
Spider Mites
Tetranychus urticae
Microscopic pests causing stippled, bronzed foliage in hot, dry conditions.
Mealybugs
Planococcus citri
White cottony insects secreting honeydew and promoting sooty mold.
Jasmine Budworm
Helicoverpa armigera
Caterpillars boring into flower buds, destroying them before opening.
Root-Knot Nematodes
Meloidogyne spp.
Roundworms causing root galls, stunting growth and reducing yield.
Common Diseases
Leaf Spot
Cercospora jasminicola
Brown to black spots on leaves with yellow halos.
Powdery Mildew
Oidium jasminis
White powdery coating on leaves and stems.
Root Rot
Phytophthora spp.
Brown, mushy roots causing wilting and death.
Fusarium Wilt
Fusarium oxysporum
Vascular disease causing progressive yellowing and death.