Are Flies Bad For Weed Plants?
During their larval stage, whiteflies live in the substrate of plants. They feed on plant tissues and small capillary roots, and can cause significant damage. This can lead to fungus growth, especially if a large number of larvae is infesting a single plant. This can also be harmful to seedlings. If you suspect a fly infestation, shake the plant and look under the leaf to check for any signs of these insects.
While most flies aren’t dangerous to weed plants, some species can cause trouble. The whitefly, for example, punctures plant leaves to suck out nutrients. Infestations of this type can cause leaves to yellow or die. Whiteflies also produce honeydew, which acts as a breeding ground for black mould, which can affect a plant’s photosynthetic processes.
Leafhoppers are another insect that can harm cannabis plants. Leafhoppers come in a variety of colours and have six legs. They are particularly troublesome during hot and dry weather. Some growers opt to use neem oil or other insecticidal sprays to ward off these pests. Another effective method is to utilize beneficial predators such as Ladybirds or Parasitic Wasps.
Whiteflies are also common garden pests. They are similar to spider mites in that they take essential nutrients from plants. These tiny white moths are about 2 millimeters long, and the adults can be found on the top parts of plants. They lay their eggs under the leaves and can lay as many as 400 eggs. The eggs hatch within a week.