By: Charlene Rennick
There are many ways that plant growth can be disrupted; insufficient light, water, nutrients, humidity level or root development. In a hydroponic garden, these environmental controls are stabilized by the gardener, but occasionally indoor plants can be compromised by outside influences. Insects can destroy a crop in a relatively short period of time if you are not prepared for the onslaught.
Bugs are sneaky. They can hitchhike into your home on fresh produce, potted plants, clothing or through an open door. These chompers with wings have different ways of attacking a plant. They can munch off the leaves it needs for development before it flowers or infiltrate the growing medium around the root system. Much like a military operation, the invasion of the insect is organized, swift and specific. These flying teeth have goals. Sometimes an insect invasion is specific to one species of plant while others create a wider scope of destruction.
What to look for and how to defend yourself
Pests with teeth go for the fleshy part of the leaves, stem and flower. They eat until there is nothing left but the veins of the leaves; a mere skeleton. Those without teeth still manage to make effective use of their mouths and will suck the sap right out of the plant. These bugs are trained in subterfuge and opt to attack from underneath the skin of the plant where they remain invisible to human detection.
Train Yourself to Spot Insects before the Damage is Done
Even the stealthiest of insect attackers leave a trail of clues to follow. These can be used to establish their location and to expose their weaponry: teeth or without teeth. If teeth have been used, the carnage is obvious. Alternately, sap suckers are harder to detect. Plants that drop seemingly healthy leaves that have not discoloured are one indication. Lifeless stems that cannot support the weight of the plant and failure to grow are two others.
An assessment of damage should be completed before any decisions are made. Can the plant come back from the injury caused to it or is it irreparable? Are the parts of the plant the bugs are using for food the same as yours or will you still have your harvest when it is time? Is the damage to the plant going to prevent it from completing its growth cycle?
Non-toxic Pest Control for Hydroponic Gardens
If you think the plant can overcome the attack, there are non-toxic treatments that can be used to save the plant without making its fruit inedible for humans. If your problem is mites or other chomping bugs, spraying the plant with a canola oil mixture will suffocate them. Pyrethrin is a natural pesticide derived from chrysanthemum flowers and has been successful in destroying insects without harm to the plant.
For more information, see the article on organic pest control.