Category: AGRICULTURE

MARIGOLD

MARIGOLD

 

Marigold or amarillo contains a chemical that is toxic to some pests in the soil, like nematodes.

Thus, it is good plant marigold together with vegetable or in between farm crops. Nematodes

are very tiny parasites or worm in the soil, river, sea, rotting wood or plants. They also thrive in

other parts of the plant like the roots, and in animals and insects.

Most nematodes are not harmful but even helpful in the fertilizing the soil however, their

danger lies in that they feed on roots, stems or leaves of plants they suck the nutrient.

 

From: Farmnews March-April 1986.

PYRETHRUM FLOWER

PYRETHRUM FLOWER Is a kind if white chrysanthemum that grows in high altitudes like the Mountain province. It contains pyrethrin, a chemical that drives insect away. The higher the altitude, the stronger is its pyrethrin content.

 

The pyrethrin or pesticide content in this flower is not harmful to humans and is beneficial to

plants like potatoes. It also repels insects’ pests that feed on cultured plants. Pyrethrin comes from chrysanthemum leaves.

 

From: Greenfields

Biological pesticides

Biological pesticides

 

The use of commercial pesticides kills; not only the target insect pests, but also beneficial

insects like spider, grasshoppers and others. Besides this, it leaves residues in the plant

where it is sprayed, and is harmful to the person spraying. If inhaled, pesticide can cause

cancer in the long run.

 

Pesticides chemically prepared are expensive; we have plants that naturally repel harmful

insect at no cost, such as:

 

1. Wild pepper – dried and pulverized

– Spray on infected plants. When this becomes moist from dew, insect pests are repelled.

 

2. Combination of 3 pieces of garlic, 2 pieces pepper, and 2 piece onions grind and pulverize

these, soak overnight in water. By next morning, fill up the water to make 3 gallons. Strain and

spray on affected plants.

  Continue reading “Biological pesticides”

SIGN OF NUTRIENT DEFICIENCIES IN SOIL

SIGN OF NUTRIENT DEFICIENCIES IN SOIL

 

Nitrogen

1. Stunted growth seen in the size and shape of the leaves.

2. Yellowing of the leaves toward the bottom of plant while those toward the top are green.

3. Leaves are pale to yellow until they get dried.

4. Formerly thick leaves becomes thinner

 

Excess

1. Over grown leaves

2. soft body, water and attracts insects and diseases

 

Phosphorus

1. The plant does not grow.

2. Leaves are pale , then turn dark green.

3. Red stains appear on the leaves, or dark red or purple at the base or middle of the leaves.

4. Leaves turn light ash green with burnt edges if the deficiency is severe.

 

Potassium

1. Leaves turn ash gray, especially toward the end.

2. Stems are weak, easily break such as in corn and sorghum

3. Harvest is poor

4. Edges and base of leaves appear burnt and shriveled, and turn yellow to brown among

mature leaves.

  Continue reading “SIGN OF NUTRIENT DEFICIENCIES IN SOIL”