How to Cure Root Aphids in Your Cannabis Plants

One of the hardest things to deal with when you are growing cannabis is pest infestation. There are three common pests that affect cannabis plants: fungus gnats, spider mites, and root aphids and of all the tree, root aphids cannabis are the most painstaking to remove.

A Closer Look at Grape Phylloxera – Cure Root Aphids Cannabis

Root aphids cannabis are the hardest to control and eliminate because these are found mostly underneath the soil, along with the plant roots. Most of the time it might be too late to save your plants because you were unaware that your plants’ roots are being attacked.

Grape phylloxera or root aphids actually look like minute aphids and their main menu is cannabis plant roots. These aphids are about a millimeter long with colors ranging from yellow, green, brownish-orange to brown. Adult aphids grow wings once the aphids population increase and once these aphids grow wings, these may be confused with fungus gnats.

Grape phylloxera or simply phylloxera are pests of grapevines around the world but were originally from North America. These are related to aphids and feed on roots and leaves of grapevines. The deformation of the plant is where the name of the plant was patterned after.

• Grape phylloxera causes physical damage to roots by biting roots and sucking out the sap from roots.
• Grape phylloxera can also cause secondary fungal infections which can affect roots. Infections can affect the flow of nutrients and water from the soil to the plant.
• Grape phylloxera nymphs will form galls along the underside of leaves, on the bark of the main trunk and on the vine roots.
• Roots of cannabis plants will swell become yellow in color and pretty soon will harden. Since the intake of oxygen, nutrients, and water are reduced, cannabis plants will become stunted and of course, yields will reduce.

How To Control Root Aphids Cannabis

Usually, once you find that there are aphids in one plant, it could be too late because there are more pests hidden in other plants. Remember that removing root aphids need patience and true diligence to save your crops.

• Use BotaniGard for root aphids

BotaniGard is an organic and natural insecticide made from a living fungus named Beauveria bassiana. This fungus can destroy aphids and releases spores so that it can affect other aphids. BotaniGuard can be used along with other pesticides like pyrethrum, natural citrus oils, and neem.

• Soil drenching can also be done

Aphids can be removed with the use of regular drenching. Once you find aphids on roots you must start drenching right away for six days. Drenching can be done together with using BotaniGard and other products to prevent toxicity to plants.

Preventing pests from affecting your crops

The best way to fight pests is to use simple preventive measures.

1. Seal your grow room completely

Insects and pests can enter your grow room even if you are very careful usually through cracks and gaps on the walls, doors, and windows. You can use spray foam or caulk to seal these cracks and gaps. You can also use weather stripping to seal the frames of doors and windows completely. Of course, this will only work if you are growing cannabis indoors.

2. Wear coats or lab gowns

Sometimes, sinister pests can hitchhike on clothes and shoes. You can either change clothes before you enter your grow room or you can wear shoe covers and a lab coat. You can also use jackets instead of lab coats to cover street clothes. Wear gloves to hold soil, pots, and anything that touches the soil. Dispose of your disposable gloves safely.

3. Keep grow rooms pet-free

You must never allow your pets to come into your grow room. Pets could bring in pests through their fur and paws and can even spray on your plants. Avoid this at all costs and never take your pets inside your room.

4. Always use sterile equipment

Be very careful about any equipment you use on your plants. Tools and equipment like tweezers, spades, applicators, etc. should be cleaned and sterilized. The best way to sterilize equipment is to boil them or use a sterilizer instead. Boil for at least 20 minutes and then dry in a safe and clean area of your room.

5. Sanitize your hands

And possibly the simplest way to prevent cross-contamination of your plants is to wash your hands before and after you enter your grow room. Wash your hands before and after you do anything inside your grow room.

6. Be diligent and check your plants for pests

Sometimes pests could affect your plants even if you are not careful. The best way to simply prevent any infestation is to be very diligent and check your plants daily. Check the underside of leaves for spider mites and check the soil and any discoloration of roots for root aphids cannabis.