Sprout spraying against pests: This is how you have to proceed

What is meant by sprouting spray?

Many pests lay their eggs on the trees, which they use as food during the summer months. The eggs and larvae overwinter on the trunk, branches and twigs. As soon as it gets warm in spring, they hatch and infest the plants in large numbers. The pests can be destroyed at an early stage by spraying them directly at the time when they sprout.

Which trees are treated?

Since beneficial insects also overwinter in eggs on the plants, you should only spray trees that were infested with pests in the previous year.

Can be fought:

• fruit tree spider mite,
• scale insect
• frost moth
• currant bladder louse,
• birchpox mite,
• elm blister aphid,
• Mealybug,
• Sitka spruce aphid.

When should you inject?

In order for the spray to have an effect, you have to apply it at exactly the right time. This begins when the buds swell and ends with the mouse-eared stage when the first leaflets push out of the bud.

It is important that you stick to this point in time. If you spray too early, the eggs are still in the resting phase and the measure cannot harm the pests. On the other hand, if you spray too late, the insecticide can damage the protective wax layer on the leaves.

Which means are recommended and how are they used?

Preparations containing paraffin oil or rapeseed oil are used for sprouting. An emulsifier is added so that substances can be dissolved in water. The funds are environmentally friendly and act on all pests, regardless of the stage of development.

The oil film impairs the further development of the eggs. It also blocks the tracheae (breathing openings) of the larvae, causing them to die.

Please note: Illnesses caused by fungal pathogens cannot be treated with these agents.

Follow these steps when applying:

• Before treatment, remove loose bark parts from the trunks with a stiff brush.
• Dose the funds exactly according to the manufacturer's instructions.
• Apply the preparation with a backpack sprayer.
• Spray the trunk, branches and twigs until dripping wet.