Well, as a gardening expert who has grown different crops, I’ve come across all these pest problems as you’ll see shortly. There is nothing as frustrating as finding that your mangos trees are under attack by aphids. While these small insects feed on the sap of the tree they can stunt the growth of the plants, curl the leaves and in serious cases reduce the quality of mangoes and their quantities.
To be quite honest with you, I have probably experimented with all types of pest control methods over the years. Chemical ways of pest controlling do give quick results but the impacts on the soil, beneficial insects and adverse effects on the environment outweigh the benefits acquired. That is why it became important for me to create sustainable gardening as my personal niche and practice them. Among the many solutions I’ve encountered, one stands out for its effectiveness and environmental benefits: Beauveria bassiana is an endophytic fungus and organically farmed insect pathogen that has brought revolution in farming.
Recently I switched to using Beveria WP, a microbial product derived from bassiana beauveria and would like to explain in detail how this exceptional tool, in conjunction with a combination of other eco-friendly approaches, has revolutionized the way I approach controlling aphids on my mango trees.
Understanding the Problem: Mango Aphids
Mango aphids are small insects which can be green or black in colour and are soft bodied that infests mango trees through feeding on the saps of new shoots, leaves and flower buds. When not controlled they reproduce quickly, this reduces the health of the plant and causes curling and yellowing of the leaves. Worse, the honeydews they discharge facilitate the formation of sooty mold on the leaves as well as fruits which affects the plant’s health as well its appearance.
Aphids have in the past been battled with synthetic chemical pesticides by the growers. It initially achieved its goal due to repeated use of the pesticide only having a negative impact because aphids developed pesticide resistance hence was harder to deal with. In addition, the social and natural impacts of such consumption of pesticides became apparent.
This is exactly where Beauveria bassiana comes to the fore—as a very powerful biopesticide, which is environment-friendly as well as sustainable.
Why Beauveria bassiana Works
Beuveria bassiana is a naturally occurring fungal pathogen of insects that can effectively arrest its target pest species. The fungal spores when mixed with chemicals such as Beveria WP, form a solution, are sprayed developmentally on the mango trees, the spores make contact with the aphids residing on leaves or branches. These spores germinate, penetrating the outer cuticle of the aphid and growing within the insect till it is killed.
And unlike many other fungi, Beauveria bassiana is specific only to pests, it can effectively control aphids without affecting beneficial insects such as lady beetles and pollinators. Also, It is safe to use on plants, soil, nature and humans.
Incorporating Beveria WP for Organic Aphid Control
Here’s how I use beauveria bassiana products, and what makes it an essential part of my integrated pest management (IPM) for mango aphids:
- Application Timing: Aphids are usually controlled by spraying with a wheat shocker, Beveria WP as soon as an infestation is noticed. Applications of the fungus are best done when aphid colonies have not grown so big to allow the fungus to be effective.
- Method of Application: The composition is applied according to the instructions and then I uniformly distribute the preparation on the tree crown paying special attention on the leaves and shoots which aphids prefer to colonize.
- Reapplication: There was a visible sign of mortality in the B. bassiana due to unfavorable conditions such as dryness and exposure to the naked sun, or even plain water washing of affected areas can kill B. bassiana. Normally, I reapply the insecticide every 10-14 days and more frequently during periods of high level of infestation.
- Long-Term Benefits: Compared to chemicals that can upset the bio balance and create problems, Beauveria bassiana establishes a good microbial condition that controls any further pest build up.
Expert Insight: Practices that are Sustainable with Bio-Products
As a gardener, occasionally, I work with microbiologists and agriculturists who focus on microbial products. Dr. Ananya Patel, a microbial agricultural expert from a leading university, shares her perspective:
Consecutively, Beauveria bassiana has been revealed to be efficient Mite, predation in sustainable farming instead of chemical pesticides. The fact that it is ecologically safe and can eliminate various insect pests make it to be very useful in integrated pest management. That is why products such as Beveria WP correspond to the principles of sustainable agriculture by ceasing reliance on chemical compounds while maintaining effective pest management.
We soundly understand from her opinion that it is not only a product to control pests but also has many other health benefits to the soil and crops, less use of chemical products to the crops, and encourages the neighborhood of many different unique species of microorganisms in the soil.
Pairing Cultural Controls with Beauveria bassiana
Still when it comes to power Beveria WP can be a powerhouse, but no single solution can act as a single hit wonder. As a gardener, I combine this organic pesticide with cultural practices to build a comprehensive pest management strategy:
Pruning and Sanitation: I verify that these are pruned off to eliminate aphids and that due to lack of water and nutrients these plants shed off dead materials, which could well be nesting sites for aphids.
Intercropping: The use of plants like marigolds or sunflowers near a mango tree makes pests like lady beetles and lacewings that feed on the mango’s aphids to stick around.
Water Management: Aphid numbers are easily controlled if one avoids watering plants too often, in particular, as overly wet foliage encourages tender growth and gives a free ride to aphids.
These practices together with the use of Beveria WP have therefore shaped a robust environment in which the aphids are always suppressed.
The Future of Sustainable Aphid Control
To my mind, Beauveria bassiana characterizes future pest management in the agricultural industry. Products like Beveria WP are perfect because not only do these control aphids but they also embrace the emerging organic farming techniques.
In this way, Beveria WP is the efficient and environmentally friendly proposal for small producers or owners of large mango plantations. With the use of cultural practices, expert advice and microbial management, crops can be safeguarded – the natural way.
To those of us who have concerns towards our environment and the production of healthy plants for food, social and ornamental use, products such as the Beveria WP are a demonstration of how science and mother nature can offer solutions to the many problems that face farmers in various agro-eco systems. To know more about organic aphid control, visit Novobac.