My latest crop is very late into the flower cycle already, with probably less than 2 weeks until harvest. I discovered a significant aphid infestation on well over half the plants in the room just this evening. There is no visible plant damage, and the plants appear very healthy, despite the fact that the infestation is significant. (I am frankly a little mystified as to how quickly this happened, and how I could possibly be seeing this many aphids and no visible damage to the plants.)
I have not been able to detect any aphids in my buds, but there are lots on the fan leaves, and even the "sugar leaves" are affected on some of the plants.
My question is: is my crop lost? Can I treat for aphids this late in the game? I know how to treat for aphids, and I have the materials that I need. My concern is that I am so close to harvest....
Got pics? I recently had an root aphid problem and treated with Imidacloprid. Some of this you can use up until harvest, and I know they use Imid on commercial tobacco. It's not something you want to spray, and it might be too late for Imid anyway because it is systemic. You can try spinosad or something similar.
Another great old gardeners trick which I think you should try first is the ultimate organic method. Gather about 20-30 aphids or as much as you can. Mix and mush them up into a powder or mixture. You want to make soup or sand out of 'em. Add the dead bug mix to water and mix. Spray that water on your plants, and it will get rid of the aphids. This works with most insects, but you must use the same insect formula for the insect infestation.
To get rid of them a week later when their eggs hatch, continue spraying. Also, try adding horticulture sand to teh top of your pots (if soil). About an inch or two deep. By burying the soil in the sand, the aphids can't lay their eggs in the soil where the new bugs are hatching. So no more flying things with sand on top, and you water right through the sand. Sold at most garden centers.
If there is one thing you should not do, is use neem oil. Whatever you do. Neem oil will destroy your crop. I sprayed Neem on my leaves about 1-2 weeks ago, and the smell still lingers on the plant. It is the worst smelling thing you will ever smell. You will not want to smoke anything sprayed with neem oil at this point. NO NEEM OIL. Trust me.
You can try an insecticidal soap sold at garden centers, but I would stay away and use the dead aphid mix. Be careful, and treat carefully so you don't ruin your smoke.
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