WhatsApp-Image-2020-06-09-at-08.39.54-aspect-ratio-x

Controlling Plant Pests in the Memorial Gardens

In the meticulous Memorial Gardens we strive to maintain a high standard, including looking after the health of the plants and their beautiful flowers. Therefore, when plants are damaged by pests we must intervene. In the Memorial Gardens, as a rule, we try to avoid using chemical poisons as much as possible by implementing environmentally friendly pest control (Integrated Pest Management – IPM).

palm treatment2

Against aphids and thrips we use an environmentally friendly organic substance based on a plant extract from the Australian tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia), Sophora and natural pyrethrin extracted from the chrysanthemum. Another substance we use against thrips is extracted from bacteria and its toxicity to mammals is low.
Against mites we use their natural enemy – the predatory mite, Phytoseiulus persimilis; we also use a pest control substance that does not harm this natural enemy.
To control diseases such as powdery mildew and rust, which attack roses, we use an environmentally friendly substance also based on plant extracts. In addition, on roses for example, which are sensitive to these diseases, irrigation is applied using drippers so as not to wet the foliage and contribute to improving conditions for disease development.
In the Rose Garden we trialed the use of the aphid parasite, Aphidius colemani; this wasp is supposed to parasitize the aphid, i.e., lay an egg inside the aphid which hatches into a larva that parasitizes the aphid, and thus to hinder its development. This trial did not produce good results since the plants grow in an open field and not inside a hothouse.
Against mealybugs (for example, on Hibiscus) – we scattered Cryptolaemus – a beetle from the ladybug family. This beetle predates on mealybugs and reproduces when it has food. In addition, to reduce aphid damage we prune and remove the damaged parts of the plant.
As the need arises, we use Confidor in solution, i.e., we irrigate the plant with water containing the control substance. We thus save scattering poison in the air, and the plant absorbs the substance into all of its organs. We note that Confidor is efficient against insects that feed on the plant sap in the foliage and green parts, for example, aphids, thrips, cicadas and species of moth.
To protect the palm trees from the invasive red palm weevil we treat them every three months by spraying their foliage with a spray that combines two control substances.

In addition, monthly monitoring is performed using 20 traps scattered around the Garden and the Visitors Pavilion. The traps are used both for monitoring and for trapping pests.
Once in a while we replace the control substances with other substances to prevent development of resistance within the insect communities.

Sometimes we have no choice but to use inorganic chemical substances; in such cases we use the least harmful ones.

Of further interest...

Accessibility

An accessible trail through the Nature Park

In the Nature Park at Ramat Hanadiv there are a number of spectacular hiking routes.

For further information >>

Sustainability

Horticultural Therapy at Ramat Hanadiv

Many studies have demonstrated the link between a green environment, nature or flowering gardens and feelings of calmness and serenity, enjoyment and vitality

For further information >>

Dining Here

Dining

To complete your Ramat Hanadiv experience, you are cordially invited to enjoy the culinary pleasures of Mata’im, the cafe-restaurant on our premises.

For further information >>