How can ticks on eggplants in a greenhouse be fought using folk methods? - briefly
Apply neem oil or a garlic‑pepper spray weekly, dust leaves with diatomaceous earth, and interplant basil or marigold to repel ticks on greenhouse eggplants. Keep humidity low and discard heavily infested foliage to stop the infestation from advancing.
How can ticks on eggplants in a greenhouse be fought using folk methods? - in detail
Traditional remedies can effectively suppress tick populations on eggplants cultivated in greenhouse environments. The following measures are based on time‑tested practices and can be integrated into routine crop management.
A water‑based garlic extract, prepared by crushing several cloves, diluting in a liter of water, and steeping for 24 hours, should be filtered and applied to foliage every five to seven days. The sulfur compounds in garlic deter adult ticks and inhibit egg laying.
Neem oil, obtained from the seeds of Azadirachta indica, is mixed at a concentration of 1–2 % (approximately 10–20 ml per liter of water) and sprayed onto leaves, stems, and fruit surfaces. The active ingredient azadirachtin interferes with the insect’s hormonal system, reducing molting and reproduction.
A tobacco infusion, made by soaking 30 g of dried tobacco leaves in two liters of warm water for 48 hours, filtered, and diluted 1:10 before use, acts as a contact poison. Application should be limited to early morning or late afternoon to avoid leaf burn.
Diatomaceous earth, a fine silica powder, is dusted lightly on the soil surface and the undersides of leaves. Its abrasive particles abrade the exoskeleton of ticks, causing desiccation. Reapplication is necessary after watering or high humidity events.
Wood ash, collected from clean, untreated hardwood, is spread at a rate of 50–100 g per square meter around the base of each plant. The alkaline nature of ash disrupts the acidic environment preferred by many mites, reducing their survival.
Companion planting with aromatic herbs such as basil, mint, and rosemary creates a volatile blend that repels ticks. Plant these species in rows interspersed among eggplants, ensuring they receive adequate light and airflow.
Hot‑water treatment of seedlings, involving immersion in water at 45 °C for three minutes, can eradicate early infestations before transplanting. Care must be taken to avoid root damage; immediately cool plants in ambient water after treatment.
Regular sanitation, including removal of fallen leaves, fruit debris, and heavily infested foliage, eliminates breeding sites. Dispose of discarded material by burning or deep burial to prevent re‑colonization.
Implementing the above folk techniques in a coordinated schedule—weekly sprays of garlic or neem, biweekly dusting of diatomaceous earth, monthly ash applications, and continuous companion planting—provides a comprehensive, chemical‑free strategy for managing tick outbreaks on greenhouse eggplants.