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Aphids on young seedlings

Asked by MG 11 April 2019 2 replies in Pests

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  1. MG #52775

    I am suffering from aphids on some of my seedlings. Initially they were on chilli seedlings which I have either washed off or gently rubbed off numerous times. Eventually they have weakened and died.
    I have had the same problem with chilli plants previously so have given up trying to overwinter them.

    I noticed my tomato seedlings seemed to have stopped growing at 2 leaves and on closer inspection they now have aphids which I am wondering if that is the reason for the stunted growth.
    I am worried I will loose them and also not sure if it is getting too late to sow more seeds.
    I have successfully grown a variety of seedlings for many years so it is particularly frustrating, any suggestions to overcome this issue would be appreciated.

  2. Cleansweep #52776

    Not too late to sow more, especially for outdoors growth.
    I suspect your toms would stand total submergence in water for 24 hours, the aphids won’t.

  3. Charles Dowding #52792

    MG I find that overwintered chilli plants in the half light of my conservatory usually suffer aphids by January, then it’s touch and go whether they survive and watering the leaves outside does help.
    Aphids like weak plants so I wonder if you have full light or decent ventilation?
    This is the season for most aphids as they start breeding, while predators slowly build their populations thanks to having more aphids to eat, so things will improve soon.

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