Defoliation in egg plants is mainly caused by Aphids. These are small, pear-shaped, gregarious insects. These usually suck the cell sap causing leaf distortion, wilting and defoliation. They can lay eggs and, in warm climates, produce live offspring without mating. Aphids can travel from leaf to leaf and plant to plant as wingless nymphs and as winged or wingless adults. Aphids usually invade fields as winged adults. Once established, aphids can be found on the growing points and on the underside of newer leaves. Aphids can cause significant damage to eggplant, causing spotting and chlorosis of leaves, leaf curling, defoliation and distortion and abscission of flowers. The potato aphid, Macrosiphum euphorbiae, and the green peach aphid, Myzus persicae, are two common eggplant pest
In Malawi Aphids can be controlled with Dimethoate 20WP or 40EC at the rate of 34g and 17ml per 14 litres of waer for ULV sprayer respectively. Suppliers of pesticdes such as Agricultural Trading Company and Farmers World may also provide alternative pesticide for controlling Aphids.
It should be noted that eggplants can be grown economically even without pesticides when the farmer follows good agricultural practives for growing the crop. The crop is can be a tad demanding, it has its needs that include consistent moisture, lush soil and nutrients, sunlight, warmth and not too much wind. Most pests can also be prevented and controlled through sanitation of the egg plant field.
Answers
Defoliation in egg plants is mainly caused by Aphids. These are small, pear-shaped, gregarious insects. These usually suck the cell sap causing leaf distortion, wilting and defoliation. They can lay eggs and, in warm climates, produce live offspring without mating. Aphids can travel from leaf to leaf and plant to plant as wingless nymphs and as winged or wingless adults. Aphids usually invade fields as winged adults. Once established, aphids can be found on the growing points and on the underside of newer leaves. Aphids can cause significant damage to eggplant, causing spotting and chlorosis of leaves, leaf curling, defoliation and distortion and abscission of flowers. The potato aphid, Macrosiphum euphorbiae, and the green peach aphid, Myzus persicae, are two common eggplant pest
In Malawi Aphids can be controlled with Dimethoate 20WP or 40EC at the rate of 34g and 17ml per 14 litres of waer for ULV sprayer respectively. Suppliers of pesticdes such as Agricultural Trading Company and Farmers World may also provide alternative pesticide for controlling Aphids.
It should be noted that eggplants can be grown economically even without pesticides when the farmer follows good agricultural practives for growing the crop. The crop is can be a tad demanding, it has its needs that include consistent moisture, lush soil and nutrients, sunlight, warmth and not too much wind. Most pests can also be prevented and controlled through sanitation of the egg plant field.