Pest and disease management in hydroponics systems
In general, the treatment method in the event of the appearance of pests or diseases on plants in the hydroponic system should be adjusted based on the diagnosis of the type of pest and the severity of the infection in the plant. Large pests in the system (such as caterpillars, snails, etc.), or leaves/plants infected to a mild-moderate degree (such as aphids, mites, etc.) can be located and removed manually (removing the pest or the infected part). If there is a significant infection of the plant with a particular pest or disease, follow the instructions attached to this page.
Below we list several examples of pests and diseases in hydroponic systems:
An organic neem oil-based product for controlling caterpillars and flies if there is a significant infestation. The operation should be repeated if caterpillars still appear after the initial spray or removed manually.
If there is spread to all parts of the plant, consider destroying the plant and spraying the plants around it with an organic neem oil-based product for tobacco moth aphid control in order to prevent the spread of the pest. Use of natural predators of the pest, for example, ladybugs. Use of yellow glue traps (stickers) near the system.
An organic neem oil-based product for controlling caterpillars and flies if there is a significant infestation. The operation should be repeated if caterpillars still appear after the initial spray or removed manually.
Manual detection and removal at night only. Use of natural products to repel snails and slugs.
If there is spread to all parts of the plant, consider destroying the plant and spraying the surrounding plants with an organic neem oil-based mite control product to prevent the spread of the pest. Using predatory (friendly) mites, such as the acarid, the environment of the infected plant should be disinfected of mite egg remains or nests.
If there is spread to all parts of the plant, consider destroying the plant and spraying the plants surrounding it with an organic neem oil-based product for controlling leaf aphids in order to prevent the spread of the pest. Use of natural predators of the pest, for example ladybugs. Wash adult plants with a strong stream of water in cases of light-medium infestation. Use yellow glue traps (stickers) near the system.
Infected leaves can usually be removed manually. If the phenomenon expands significantly, consider destroying the plant and spraying the surrounding plants with an organic neem oil-based product to prevent and control plant diseases. Preventive action - spraying once every two weeks with an organic neem oil-based product or neem B to prevent the development of plant diseases. Spacing the leaves to ventilate the plant (prevents moisture accumulation between the leaves, which may manifest as powdery mildew).
Root diseases:
Root diseases can be identified during a routine inspection when the root loses its healthy white color and turns brown or black with an unusual odor and a mushy texture. This is usually due to the presence of a fungus.
Possible actions to prevent root diseases:
- If the infection is mild to moderate, the roots can be washed with water pressure and the infected parts can be trimmed to a reasonable extent (not the entire root).
- Significant root rot may lead to the spread of the disease to the rest of the system. Therefore, it is recommended to add hydrogen peroxide to the water at a concentration of up to 2 ml per liter directly to the water tank. For example, for a 60 liter tank, 120 ml of hydrogen peroxide should be added.
