Im growing some organic melons. I notice some ants on the plants but they dont seem to be eating the leafs or anything. finally I looked at under part of the leafs and found these weird bugs I donno what they are or if the ants are eating them are not. Any help would be great thanks!
Heres a pic of them
http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/l...x/IMG_0081.jpg
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07-10-2008, 12:24 PM #1
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07-10-2008, 01:49 PM #2
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Hi Larrivee,
Great picture!* You have an infestation of aphids.* The ants harvest the honeydew (waste) from them for food and often protect them from predators.* Insecticidal soap can be used to get rid of the aphids.* You can purchase it or make your own.
http://woodypest.ifas.ufl.edu/aphids.htm
http://www.care2.com/greenliving/hom...idal-soap.html
Newt
When weeding, the best way to make sure you are removing a weed and not a valuable plant is to pull on it. If it comes out of the ground easily, it is a valuable plant.
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07-10-2008, 10:33 PM #3
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thxs!
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07-10-2008, 10:36 PM #4
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You are very welcome!
Newt
When weeding, the best way to make sure you are removing a weed and not a valuable plant is to pull on it. If it comes out of the ground easily, it is a valuable plant.
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08-04-2008, 05:44 PM #5
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Thanks for posting about ants and aphids--I have plenty of both around here, but never knew of their symbiotic relationship. This just goes to show how nature has a purpose for everything, but I would agree that saving the melons is more important than worrying about ants and aphids--i suspect they'll be around long after we humans have enjoyed our last slices of summer melon !;)
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