sap sucking black aphids defeated for two years (forum)

jeanie starts with ...
i have a 14yr old self sown necterene tree, for years it was loaded with fruit , then 5 yrs ago black aphids found me , I lost all fruit and new growth for 3 years ,I waged war for 3 years with very little success in fact i thought i would loose the tree,
my success with the aphids came from observing the aphids after I had hosed them off the limbs ,while having a coffee near the tree i observed black ants leading aphids in a solid steady steam back up the tree trunk .ireached for surface spray thinking to nock them out as they crossed my sprayed trunk.

T had been told ants milk the aphids, so last year and this year I have blocked the ants out of my tree by using surface spray[[ I use cheapest supermarket stuff ] I had big juicy necterines last year , 1st time for 4 years , I spray my band around the trunk while tree is still dormant and repeat every two weeks thru
to summer ,
I ran a trial this year , the necterines I didnt spray early and allowed the ants to climb the trees , then spraying a band have all got bad aphid infestations, I believe the ants mark trees with a scent that calls in the aphid fly to lay her eggs , I have observed a aphid fly buzzing around my now healthy fruit bearing tree as if looking for the spot to land but not landing, which leads me to think no ANT scent no guided place to land for the aphid fly


Time: 20th October 2010 11:22am

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About the Author jeanie1
victorian sea coast
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Jimmy says...
How it works, is that ants farm aphids and provide protection from aphid predators.

Thus killing or removing the ants allows the aphids to be eaten by predators.

Time: 20th October 2010 1:20pm

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About the Author Jimmy
Perth
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Violet_Cactus says...
Thanks Jeanie! This is a great tip for gardeners.

Time: 20th October 2010 4:36pm

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About the Author VioletCactus1
Melbourne
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JK says...
I get rid of aphids by spraying a Neem Soap Solution,
I get the Neem soap from the Indian Shop, make a diluted soap solution and spay on the leaves,
Gets rid of Aphids - This methos i found to be Organic and Cheap !

Time: 17th February 2011 11:51am

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About the Author JK
Perth
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kathy says...
hi Jeanie
what sort of band u spraying on to the tree and can i spray now what else is there i am so stressed my Chery tree is so infested. also how can i get rid of ants in my vegetable boxes thank u

Time: 9th November 2012 1:03pm

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About the Author 1kathyH
melbourne
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