Aphids, commonly known as leek pests, are a serious underground threat in leek cultivation. They are found throughout Fujian Province and typically go through four generations each year, with peak occurrences in early May, mid-June, early August, and late September. Adult aphids lay their eggs in cracks or soil clods near leek fields. Once hatched, the larvae burrow into the bulbs and tender stems of leeks, causing rotting of young shoots and yellowing or death of leaves. This damage significantly affects both the yield and quality of leeks. Currently, it's a crucial time for controlling these pests in the fall. Below, we provide an overview of their biological characteristics and effective prevention strategies.
First, let’s look at the biological features of these pests. The larvae are head-shaped, measuring 6 to 9 mm in length, with black heads and white bodies. Their surface is smooth, with a pointed front and slightly flattened rear. Adult aphids are small, weak flyers that avoid light and often gather in groups. After mating, they lay eggs in the soil, usually 3 to 4 cm below the leek roots, where they feed on the pseudostems and bulbs. Larvae prefer moist, juicy tissues, so areas with wet or loamy soils tend to suffer more from infestations.
Second, regarding prevention and control methods: currently, this is the peak season for aphid activity in open fields. One common approach is to use 20% chlorpyrifos EC, applying about 1 kg per mu, diluted 100 to 200 times. Alternatively, 500 ml of Shennongbao or 0.75 to 1 kg of 50% phoxim can be mixed with water and poured directly into the field. For greenhouses or protected environments, two rounds of treatment are usually needed. The first should be done before covering the sheds. After winter covers are removed, as soil temperatures rise, the larvae become active again. After cutting the leeks, it's important to apply insecticides to prevent further infestation. The larvae are generally found at a depth of 3 to 4 cm, and spraying with 55% phoxim diluted 500 to 600 times is a widely used method. Regular monitoring and timely intervention are key to reducing damage and ensuring healthy leek growth.
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