Market Farming

[OakCamp2 AT aol.com]

Here is the recipe that I use.

 

water-99%

any liquid dish soap- 0.5%

cayenne pepper- 0.5%(ground or powdered)

 

This spray is non specific and will also kill ladybugs who are voracious predators of aphids.  Check to see if ladybugs have already come to your acre plot and are working on the aphid problem.  Ladybug larvae are usually present at this time of year and look very different from the adult.  Check out a website with pictures of the larvae so you can leave them alone to do their work.  Ladybugs will also lay eggs next to aphid colonies, so you may want to consider leaving some infested plants on the perimeter of your acre so that you have ladybugs already present in your fields next year, if the problem arises again.

 

Many times aphids are attacking only the weakest plants in your crops- those that are at the end of their life cycle.  Those can be eliminated by simply pulling the plants and composting them, or, you may want to leave them in your acre plot as a lure to the aphids that are there.  Healthy plants right next to them usually are not affected. Sometimes simply hitting the aphids with a blast of water from a hose will dispose of them.

 

Peaceful Valley Farm Supply will carry insecticidal soap, if you are still looking for a source. www.groworganic.com

Hope this helps,

Barb