You can treat cucumbers at the peak of fruiting with Fitoverm. Unlike pesticides, biological preparations do not pollute the environment and are safe for health.
Composition and indications for use
The main component of the insecticide is avermectin C, which is found in most garden crop pests.
Fitoverm is used to treat plantings affected by:
- Colorado potato beetle;
- aphids;
- scale insect;
- mealybug;
- leaf rollers;
- thrips;
- moth;
- spider and herbivorous mites.
The natural preparation has a paralytic effect: after the substance gets on an insect, it loses its mobility. After 6–16 hours, the pests stop feeding and die from starvation within 2–3 days.
The treated area becomes completely clear of voracious aggressors 5–7 days after spraying.
Unlike other insecticides, Fitoverm does not cause habituation in insects, which allows it to be used 3-4 times per season. The interval between spraying should be 7–20 days. Since the drug completely dissolves within 48 hours, if necessary, you can spray the crop shortly before harvesting.
Advantages and disadvantages
The main advantage of a biological product is safety: unlike chemicals, Fitoverm does not accumulate in green mass and fruits. The advantages also include:
- Possibility to process plants at any growing season.
- High efficiency on hot days.
- Affordable price.
- Easy to use.
Like all avermectins, Fitoverm has the following disadvantages:
- It is impossible to use in rainy weather, as the product is quickly washed off with water.
- The natural insecticide does not destroy the larvae, which is why the plantings have to be sprayed frequently.
Instructions
To prepare a solution for treating cucumbers against spider mites, thrips, peach and melon aphids Add 8–10 ml of product per 1 liter of water. Both in the garden bed and in the greenhouse, spraying is carried out at intervals of 15–20 days. Consumption of funds per 10 sq. m. beds - 1 l.
The drug is used provided that the air temperature is above +5 ⁰C. The greatest effect of spraying occurs when the weather is hot. If it rains after treatment, the procedure is repeated.
These instructions for use of Fitoverm for cucumbers apply only to the drug with a concentration of 2 g per 1 liter. In greenhouses and industrial farms, cucumbers are treated with emulsions of 10 g and 50 g per 1 liter.To treat the melon crop with such a concentrate, the dose of liquid is reduced.
You cannot mix biological agents with chemicals that have an alkaline environment. The fact that the products are incompatible with each other is indicated by the sediment that appears at the bottom of the container. Fitoverm combines well with organic fertilizers and growth stimulants. For better adhesion, it is recommended to mix the product with soap or shampoo.
Prepare a mixture for treating cucumbers according to this principle:
- The required dose of the active substance is added to a 100 ml container of water and mixed.
- The concentrate is mixed with 900 ml of water and poured into a large container.
Thanks to gradual mixing, avermectin is evenly distributed in the water. To prepare the solution, it is better to use water at a temperature that varies from +15 to +30 ⁰С. If you use too cold or hot a liquid, the treatment will be ineffective. Unlike the misconceptions of many gardeners, you cannot store the finished mixture.
Despite the fact that Fitoverm is a natural remedy, it is toxic, so you need to spray cucumbers only in protective clothing, especially if spraying is carried out in a greenhouse. Strangers and children are not allowed to be near the garden bed. Fish and bees can suffer from the poison, so in areas located near bodies of water or where there is evidence, the product must be used with extreme caution.
Safety precautions
Fitoverm belongs to the group of moderately dangerous drugs, therefore, to avoid contact with the product, treatment is carried out with gloves and goggles. It is especially important to take precautions inside greenhouses, where the distance between plants and people is minimal.When spraying cucumbers or any other plant, you should not smoke, much less eat.
If the solution does get into the eyes or onto the skin, the contact area should be thoroughly washed with soap and clean water. If the product gets inside, take activated charcoal and wash it down with plenty of water, provoke vomiting and seek help from medical professionals.
