Khaberni - The Directorate of Agriculture of the Koura District has called upon pomegranate farmers to implement necessary precautions to curb the spread of aphids, which are active during this period of the year, as they cause direct damage to the trees and crop.
The directorate explained in a statement today, Monday, that "aphids" are piercing and sucking insects that feed on plant sap and excrete a sticky substance called honeydew, on which sooty mold fungus grows, leading to a weakening of the photosynthesis process and negatively affecting flowering and fruiting.
It emphasized the importance of moderating nitrogen fertilization to reduce tenderness in plant growth and decrease the chances of infection, alongside the importance of adjusting calcium levels in the plant to enhance the strength of cell walls and increase tree resistance to pests.
The directorate indicated that in the event of epidemic infections, it is advisable to use a suitable systemic insecticide to control aphids, such as the active ingredient "flonicamid" according to the recommended rates, with the necessity to carry out spraying operations in the early morning hours or after sunset, and ensuring that all parts of the tree are covered to achieve the best results.
The directorate invited the farmers to review the trade names of registered agricultural pesticides through the website of the Jordanian Ministry of Agriculture, and to adhere to the approved technical guidelines to ensure the safety and quality of the production.
The Koura District is considered a major area in the Kingdom for the production of pomegranates, with an area of about 2000 dunums planted, spread along the banks of perennial streams such as Wadi Zqlab, Wadi Abu Ziad, and Wadi Al Rayyan.
