Bollworm description Bollworm, also known as tomato fruit worm or American Bollworm, Helicoverpa armigera, are small caterpillars (about 30mm long, slightly more than 1 inch) that have prominent rows of dark bumps on their backs. Mature worm's colour varies from dark grey to light brown and have lengthwise stripes on their bodies. The adult form [...]
Sweet potato whitefly description Sweet potato whitefly (Bemisia tabaci, order Hemiptera and family Aleyrodidae) is a sap feeder. The adults are about 4-5mm long with a pale yellow body. The sweet potato whitefly can easily be identified by their red compound eyes. When feeding their wings are slightly apart creating a shallow "V" shape. The [...]
Red spider mite description Red spider mite, of the genus Tetranychus urticae, are sap feeders. Although there are several species of spider mites which attack plants, the red spider mite and the two-spotted spider mite are the most common. The red spider mite is often referred to as the “red spider”, the “red mite”, or [...]
Leaf hopper description Leaf hoppers are usually less then 13mm in length, with long slender tapered bodies. They tend to be pale green to tan in colour, and may have dark markings. They usually infest the lower surface of leaves and if disturbed move sideways very quickly. They also have a characteristic hop when disturbed. [...]
Leaf miner description The adult leaf miner (Liriomyza sativae) is a 1-1.8mm long shiny black fly with a prominent yellow triangle between the bases of the wings; the underside and the face between the eyes are yellow. Liriomyza trifolii differs in having the thorax covered with overlapping bristles that give them the characteristic silvery grey [...]
Description of whiteflies Whiteflies are about 1.5mm long, the adult is white which resembles a tiny moth. They produce oblong eggs, pale green to purple and are inserted into the lower leaf surface, often in a circle or a crescent. Each egg is about 0.2 mm long. The tiny, first instar nymphs are yellow with [...]
Cutworm description Black cutworm moths have dark brown forewings, light-coloured hind wings, and a wing expanse of 38 to 51 mm. Granulate cutworm moths have yellowish-brown forewings and a wingspan of 38 to 45 mm. Variegated cutworm moths may be yellowish or brownish with a wingspan of 38 to 50 mm. Cutworm eggs are white [...]
Never use chemical that are not registered by your local Department of Agriculture. A range of chemicals that can be used on cucumbers are provided below and must be followed to control most insects and diseases found in hydroponic production systems (in South Africa). Please check your local Agricultural extension officer for a list of [...]
Good pest and disease control in hydroponic systems is crucial for a successful hydroponic farm. Soon after the plants have been transplanted, pest and diseases will be attracted to the growth area. It is important to control these pests and diseases in order to harvest a good yield. The registered chemicals that can be used [...]
