Down To Earth

Insects are a part of every garden. They are of many kinds some you can see flying,while the presence of the others is evident only when the damage theyve done becomes evident.

Insects are a part of every garden. They are of many kinds some you can see flying,while the presence of the others is evident only when the damage theyve done becomes evident. Yet another category of insects create protective coverings or structures around themselves. Among these are the leaf minor,scales and gall insects. The latter has started appearing in large numbers and on many plants such as arjuna,mango,lasura and alstonia. You will find small round structures (gharonde) on the upper or lower surface of leaves. Spray rogor and ekalux one millilitre to a litre of water alternately at weekly intervals.

When do lemon plants bear fruit? Can I grow kagzi lime in this region?

Pawan Kumar,Chandigarh

The baramasi lemon gives fruit almost through the year,though it is most fruitful in June-July and January-February. No,kagzi lime is not recommended for this region.

My mussaenda plant is flowering for the first time. Till when will it continue to bear flowers? Will it flower in winter?

Satbir Singh,Mohali

The plant will bear flower or bracts till the end of October. After that,it will shed leaves and become dormant during winter.

Can I grow papaya now? Any precautions?

Surjit Singh,Chandigarh

Yes,you can grow papaya now. Put three plants per pit so that you can remove the male plants if they appear in large numbers.

Last year,there were many mealy bugs in my garden. When should I start taking preventive measures?

Manjit Sethi,Chandigarh

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The mealy bug nymphs will start appearing in the middle of December. At that time,you should take some preventive measures.

For Gardening queries,ASK DR GREEN at satishnarula@yahoo.co.in

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Down To Earth

Insects are a part of every garden. They are of many kinds  some you can see flying,while the presence of the others is evident only when the damage theyve done becomes evident.

Insects are a part of every garden. They are of many kinds some you can see flying,while the presence of the others is evident only when the damage theyve done becomes evident.