Diseases and pests of balsam. How to cure a plant?

Fast growth, elegant flowers and a long flowering period - balsamins are deservedly included in the list of some of the best indoor plants.

Bright inflorescences, impassable, adorn window sills, loggias and entire garden plots.

In some cases, balsam may become a victim of dangerous diseases or harmful insects. What danger does the flower face? How to recognize and control pests?

Plant Brief

Balsam belongs to long-term crops, with an upright stalk and fleshy serrated foliage. The maximum height of the bush is 50 cm, the leaf length is 8-12 cm. The inflorescences are in the axils of the plant, their hue is varied (from delicate pink to rich red).

Balsam hybrids have double flowers. After completion of the flowering period, a fruit is formed - an elongated box, which consists of 5 twisted leaves.

Long flowering explains another name for balsam - Spark. In different countries, this species also has different designations: Zealous Lisa in Germany, Vanka-wet in Russia.

Disease susceptibility

Why does balsam develop various diseases? The main reason is the hydrophilicity of the plant. Its stems and foliage are 50% water. The bush loves well-moistened soil and air. And the abundance of moisture creates optimal conditions for the propagation of pathogens and pests.

Indoor balm is especially susceptible to such a disease as downy mildew. Among the reasons for its development are poor quality of care, low temperature, too abundant watering (moisture from the soil does not have time to evaporate).

Malignant fungi cause the disease. The causative agent penetrates the plant tissue with moisture, after 2-3 days a healthy bush begins to wither (the leaves are covered with a white coating, then they blacken and fall off). Method of control - treatment with fungicides. You can use Bactofit, Bordeaux liquid, Vitaros.

Balsam is also susceptible to the following diseases.

1. Gray rot. Symptoms - brown spots, gray plaque on the foliage and stem. Bacteria cause disease from contaminated soil or water. An additional risk factor is freezing of the bush, cold water for irrigation, drafts.

   You can get rid by timely cutting off the affected leaves and replanting the plant in a new pot. For spraying, garlic solution or Fundazole is suitable.

2. Bacteriosis A sign is watery spots on the foliage, which later spread throughout the bush. The method of struggle is the removal of the affected leaves and the subsequent treatment of the bush with Bordeaux fluid.

Parasites: diagnosis, causes and actions

Mites most often affect balsam - these are annoying small parasites that suck out all the juice from the stem. Also aphids, thrips and whiteflies are dangerous for plants.

Tick ​​infection

Characteristic signs can be seen when examining the back of the leaf or internodes. Symptoms of spider mite infection - the thinnest white film and small dots on the foliage, their loss of luster, decrease in flowering intensity. The reasons for the appearance are a high temperature in the room and a low level of humidity. How to deal with a spider mite on balsam?

• Cropping affected parts.
• Processing the bush with soapy water (it is preferable to dilute tar soap in water). Apply foam to the plant, rinse after 5-10 minutes. Repeat the procedure after 7 days.
• With a high degree of infection, chemical treatment is required. On their list is Fitoverm, Vertimek. Select the dosage according to the instructions.

Cyclamen tick can also parasitize on balsam. It deforms young leaves, lateral buds and shoots. The plant loses its growth points and dies quickly. You can get rid of the pest only when treated with acaricides.

Aphid

The insect sucks the juice from the leaves, then they deform and stop growth. With a high degree of damage, the process of photosynthesis is impossible, as a result, balsam ceases to develop normally and dies.

It is quite difficult to notice the infection on the bush, but the aphid nests from the whitish bloom are clearly visible on the walls of the pot.

Aphids can be detected by transplanting or examining the root system. Folk methods of struggle - tinctures from tobacco leaves, onion husks and wormwood. Also, the infected bush can be treated with ash, tobacco dust or a mixture of ash and soap.

How to deal with aphids? Chemicals for balsam salvage - Fas, Decis, Actellik. Dosage and application features depend on the size of the plant (use according to the instructions). When processing chemicals, the soil in the pot must be covered with a film.

Detailed action algorithm:

1. Removing damaged and shrunken fragments.
2. Processing cut parts with insecticides. Spraying the bush with a solution of dried tobacco and tansy grass.
3. In the pot, completely change the soil, disinfect the pot itself.

Whitefly

In appearance, the insect resembles a small mole of white color. The breeding period (from egg laying to hatching of an individual) is 35-40 days.

Whitefly lays eggs on the back of the leaf, later from these eggs appear larvae that eat the whole balsam bush.

Over time, the skin of the larvae hardens, and individuals become invulnerable to certain chemicals. Therefore, the plant must be treated several times, observing a break of 4-6 days.

Symptoms of infection - foliage loses green, yellow spots appear on it, later it dries and falls. A dangerous consequence is the complete death of the plant.

How to destroy a whitefly?

1. Regular shower. Eggs and larvae can be washed off with water pressure. It is important to process both sides of the sheet.
2. Removal of affected parts of the bush.
3. Destruction of individuals with insecticides. Florists recommend the use of Karbofos, Tanrek, Actellik. These are poisonous drugs that must not be sprayed in the apartment. You need to carry out the procedure on the balcony or on the street.
4. An alternative to chemicals is home remedies. Balsam can be treated with tincture of grated garlic. For cooking, you need to grind 1-2 cloves, turn them into gruel. Pour boiling water and leave for 3 hours. Use for spraying 2 times a day.

Thrips

Insects carry a double threat: they weaken the bush, being a pest, and are also carriers of the mosaic virus - a dangerous disease of indoor balsam. The problem can be diagnosed by deformation of young leaves at the apex and a change in the growth point.

The greater the impact of pests, the worse the appearance of the flowers. The edges begin to dry, live insects can be seen in the center of the corolla.

The main method of dealing with them is the removal of infected fragments and subsequent treatment with insecticides. It is important to isolate the affected bush from the rest. Spray the plant with Tanrek or Actellik.

Tanrek needs to be diluted in a proportion of 1 ml per 5 l or 2 ml per 10 l (it is necessary to measure the drug with a syringe). Actellik dosage for severe infection: 1 ampoule per 1 liter of water. Repeat the spraying procedure after 5-7 days.

Photo

Next, you can see photos of diseases and pests of balsam:

Preventative measures

The main preventive measure is competent care. It is important that the balsamic pot receives enough sun. Regular spraying with plain water will prevent pests. (water should not fall on the flowers).

In autumn, it is advisable to make top dressing once every 2-3 weeks. Fertilizers must contain nitrogen and phosphorus. In winter, you need to reduce the number of waterings, and put the pot of balsamine in a cool place (temperature 15-17 degrees).

Conclusion

Balsam is a beautiful plant with bright flowers. The bush can become an object of attack from harmful insects. You can get rid of the harmful effects of pests by timely trimming of infected fragments and subsequent treatment with chemical preparations. The main preventive measure is compliance with the rules of care.

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