How do I protect pineapples from pests?

Pest management in pineapple requires careful attention toward organic approaches. My pineapple survived an invasion of mealybugs through the use of neem oil sprays, which I apply weekly at sunrise to reduce the risk of activity among beneficial insects. Routine inspection will allow you to discover infestations before major damage; I utilize my magnifying glass to search for eggs concealed in the axils of leaves.

It's better to be proactive than reactive. Take the dead leaves away as these allow other pests to breed. I do my pruning every Sunday morning. You can also introduce predator insects, like ladybugs; I have a population in my greenhouse that takes care of 50 aphids a day. If you mulch the soil with sharp sand, it will deter soil pests and enhance drainage.

Companion planting can increase a particular plant's defenses beyond its normal capacity. My pineapple patch is bordered by marigolds and basil, because their scents repel 80% of flying pests. Do not plant these two companion crops with tomatoes or peppers. Spider mites are common pests that can easily migrate from the marigolds and basil to those crops. Change out the trap crops every year to interrupt pest life cycles.

A nocturnal inspection yields hidden pests. Use a UV flashlight to see nocturnal pest activity; That's how I discovered slugs. Place heavily infested plants in isolation and dust the infestation with cinnamon powder in the soil; Its antifungal properties will take care of larvae living in the root ball.

Read the full article: How to Grow Pineapple: Expert Tips for Success