The insecticide Vertimek, whose use on cucumbers will be discussed below, is based on abamectin. It is formed through the fermentation of bacteria found in various types of soil. After spraying cucumbers with Vertimek, the insecticide's active components penetrate the leaf tissue within a short period of time. The product has virtually no effect on beneficial insects. Garden pests are paralyzed within 1-2 hours after spraying.
Cucumber garden pests that Vertimek destroys
The drug allows you to fight against such insects as:
- Aphids. They feed on the sap of cucumber leaves during the fruiting period. Under the pest's influence, the leaf blades of the fruits curl, the ovaries fall off, and the cucumber plant dies.
- Spider mites most often attack cucumber hybrids grown in greenhouses. The insects settle on the undersides of cucumber leaves, sucking out the juices.
- The root-knot nematode parasitizes the roots of cucumber plants. The insect is approximately 1.5 mm long, making it quite difficult to spot. The nematode settles on plant tissue and secretes toxic chemicals. These compounds cause growths to appear on cucumber stems, where the insect's larvae develop.
Vertimek also kills other types of mites and thrips. It also targets a variety of insects that infest cucumber plants.
Use of the product in agricultural work
The manufacturer includes instructions for using Vertimek in each package. It is recommended to apply the insecticide as soon as a farmer notices the appearance of any garden pest on cucumber bushes. As stated in the instructions, if pests are detected early, one spraying throughout the entire growing season is sufficient to eradicate them.
If repeat treatment is necessary, spray the cucumber plants 7-8 days after the initial application. If the weather is hot, repeat the treatment after 72 hours.
After applying the product to the plants, they are covered with plastic wrap. The cucumbers are kept in this condition for 24 hours. According to the insecticide instructions, Vertimek should be applied within 2-3 hours after diluting the product in water. Insects die both from Vertimek ingestion and from contact with the pest's body.
To kill thrips, dilute 1 teaspoon of the medication in 8-10 liters (the volume of a standard bucket) of lukewarm water. Pour the resulting solution into a spray bottle and then spray the leaves of the bushes where the insects have been spotted. Treat both the top and bottom of the leaves. Although Vertimec is absorbed into plant tissue, it may not completely kill the pests living on the underside of the leaf.
If a farmer is fighting mites, dilute 2.5 ml of Vertimek in 10 liters of water. To completely eliminate leaf miners, which destroy cucumbers by gnawing through plant tissue, it is recommended to dilute 1 g of the product in 1000 ml of water.
A positive quality of the product is that it is well tolerated by cucumber hybrids and has virtually no effect on the structure of the plants. After applying the medicine, it is able to protect cucumbers from various insects for a long period.
The treatment leaves no stains, and the cucumber harvest can be safely harvested within three days of spraying the plants. However, safety precautions must be taken. To do this, rinse all cucumbers harvested from the plants under running water for 60 minutes.
Do not use Vertimek in high humidity or during extreme heat. To prevent garden pests from becoming accustomed to the product, experts recommend alternating Vertimek with insecticides such as Actellic or Pegasus.
Safety precautions and shelf life
Although this product is classified as toxicity class 2, gardeners are advised to handle it with caution. Contact with unprotected skin can cause burns. Accidental inhalation of the vapors can irritate the nasal mucosa. Contact with the eyes can cause irritation and severe redness of the surrounding skin.
To prevent this, the manufacturer recommends spraying cucumber plants early in the morning or late in the evening. During these periods, there is virtually no wind. Avoid eating, drinking, or smoking while spraying the plants.
To perform the procedure, the farmer should wear protective eyewear and a respirator. After spraying the bushes, it is recommended to wash your hands and face with warm water and soap. Once Vertimec is completely used, the remaining packaging should be burned.
If drops of the drug get into the eyes, rinse them immediately with running water. Poisoning with the drug often causes severe vomiting. To alleviate the patient's condition, give them 2-3 tablets of activated charcoal and then call a doctor. When treating such a patient, do not administer medications that depress the nervous system.
Vertimec can be stored for 4 years from the date of manufacture. To do this, store the product in a dry place where the temperature is maintained between -15 and +30°C. Do not store medications or food near this insecticide.
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This product is toxic, so after using it, be sure to use fertilizers or bioactivators. After such procedures, I always useBioGrow", the product quickly saturates the soil with everything it needs.