Root Aphids - Indoor - D.W.C. Hydroponics

[ScrOGger]

Howdy folks, first post here, been lurking for a bit, not really one for introducing myself and also haven't been on a local grow forum since BelowTheLion had a grow forum...so.....eh...howzit.

Recently run into some issues with root aphids, so thought it appropriate to communicate with local communities in order to see what methods people have used in the past to treat infestations, as well as share my experiences.

* Currently Day 25 of Flower at posting(11/04/2019)

Setup:

• Mars Grow Tent(Total Grow Space - 2.4mx1.2mx2m)
• 1 x Extractor(700m3/hr - 11.67m3/minute) - Negative Pressure
• 600w HID(Sunmaster - Dual Spectrum [Flowering Period Only])
• 2 x 45l D.W.C Reservoirs
• 2 Plants per res.(125mm Net Pots with Hydrotron/LECA)
• ScroGged(Utilised Grow Space - 1mx1.4m)

Strain:

• 4 x Green House Seed Co. A.M.S.(Identical Cuts)

 

Preface:

For the record, I had some how allowed myself to be fooled by the idea that subterranean pests wouldn't really be a factor in hydroponics, especially Deep Water Culture, but boy was i mistaken, so please, don't fool yourselves with this idea guys.

If anything, in my resulting opinion, the hydroponic environment can actually be more conducive to certain pests growth when comapred with its media/soil counterparts, however, on the flip side, much like dealing with nutrient burns or P.H. issues, hydroponic systems have a greater potential for fast recover.(*Provided you are able to identify the issue/infestation early enough.)

 

In hind sight, I can easily say that the first sign of my infestation actually started showing a little over a week ago, however I would only come to realise this 3 days ago.

It started with me waking up to finding a mass of dead fliers on my tent floor, which I had simply assumed were just miggies trying to get to my light and moved on, however I would soon realise that these were actually the winged adults of an aphid infestation.

I only realised the true issue when it came to nute change time, which is when I discovered a rather established Root Aphid infestation when going to siphon my reservoirs.

*This is when Hydrogen Peroxide(H2O2) becomes your next best friend.

Treatment:

• Day 1:
  • Sprayed with Ludwigs Insect Spray +.
  • Flushed reservoirs with fresh water and tried to physically remove and wash off any visible aphids as much as possible.
  • Filled reservoirs with P.H. balanced water and added 12ml(30% H2O2[Clicks - 30 Vol.]) per resivour.
    • Only water/circulation pump running - aeration turned off to potentially try reduce H2O2 reduction to H2O.
• Day 2:
  • Sprayed with Ludwigs Insect Spray +.
  • Added 5ml(30% H2O2[Clicks - 30 Vol.]) to each reservoir.
• Day 3:
  • Flushed reservoirs with fresh water and tried to physically remove and wash off any visible aphid debris as much as possible - can clearly see that the infestation is not thriving like it was.
  • Added normal flowering nute mix
    • Aerators back on(*System to run as normal)

I definitely feel that my initial knock of the infestation has been successful, however it is crucial that I ensure that I keep on top of this infestation by inspecting my rootzone multiple times a day when possible as well as spraying Ludwigs Insect Spray + to ensure that any crawling/flying aphids are exterminated and unable to continue their life cycle.(I have had great success with Ludwigs Insect Spray + for canopy/foliage pests).

If I see any signs of the root aphids getting a grip again,  I will repeat the steps from day 1 and 2(H2O2 Volume to be determined).

*Yellow fly paper would also be extremely beneficial at reducing winged flier survival success rate

*It is crucial that anyone reading this post realises that these are my experiences with a Deep Water Culture Hydroponic system, and that if you encounter root aphids in a soil-type medium, H2O2 will destroy any organic organisms in your medium, if at a strong enough concentration, beneficial organism or not. Ensure that you consider this and research accordingly before taking this as word.

*Please also realise that the effects of root aphids will most likely show as a nutrient deficiency first, unless the rootzone infestation is noticed before hand by the grower.

Any experiences or input would be much appreciated - substantiated or opinionated <3.

Edited April 11, 2019 by ScrOGger

[Budwizer]

A pic of your winged adults and the root zone aphids would go a long way to our education 

Thanks dude