The bud caterpillar infestation is possibly the most damaging in marijuana crops, especially outdoors and in greenhouses.
In addition, the fact that their appearance takes place just in the pre- harvest phase makes us have special fear and dislike of them.
You will read about:
WHY ARE CATERPILLARS ON MARIJUANA PLANTS
The caterpillar is not an insect, but a larval stage of butterflies, moths, and other animals. With more than 175,000 species worldwide, it is easy for them to attack plants for food.
If in the growth phase they can give large bites on leaves and shoots, it is during the flowering phase when they can cause the most destruction, by devouring the buds.
In addition to eating them, the caterpillar in the marijuana will cause the crop to rot , leaving open parts completely exposed.
HOW TO PREVENT THEM
In outdoor crops, the caterpillar on marijuana plants is a factor that must be prevented from the beginning . How?
- Avoiding one excess fertilizer and nitrogen, which attracts butterflies.
- Periodically observing the surface of the leaves and their underside, particularly in the late afternoon and early morning.
- Shaking the plant in the flowering phase, to check if there are pieces of bud fall because of the caterpillars.
- Using silicon to reinforce the epidermis of your plant.
- Using caterpillar preventive preparations .
- Making sure your homemade compost or manure is pest-free (or bypassing them).
HOW TO COMBAT CATERPILLARS ON MARIJUANA PLANTS
If you have already identified caterpillars, it is time to move on to the phase of how to kill caterpillars on plants. You have to act quickly to prevent them from spreading throughout the crop.
IN THE GROWTH PHASE
If the plant is in the growth phase, the good news is that there are products for its complete elimination, whether they are biological or chemical insecticides . Among the biological insecticides, the pyrethrins stand out which, in addition to eliminating caterpillars, if they contain rapeseed oil, will suffocate the eggs.
You can also add products that combat the stress of the plants and help them to recover.
IN THE FLOWERING STAGE
In this phase it is better to avoid chemical insecticides , which could remain active too long, and opt only for biological ones.
A good option is to resort to natural predators that can kill the caterpillars and eggs. Keep in mind that predators can be specific to each particular species of caterpillar. In addition, you will have to remove all the caterpillars that you see by hand.
In short, caterpillars have the potential to destroy our crops, so we must be very attentive and review our plants patiently, separating the possible affected buds in time. Knowing in depth the indications and advice for use that appear on the labels of preventive products and insecticides can save us from disappointment in the final phase of our marijuana crops.
