What is and how to control Gyllenhal in Azolla.

IT'S A BUGS LIFE.

#Azolla: A Nutritious Feed for Livestock

Azolla is a small free-floating freshwater fern that grows rapidly in nutrient-rich water. It belongs to the family Azollaceae and order Pteridophyta. Due to its high nutritional value, azolla can be used as a feed substitute for various livestock.

Azolla is a plant protein source rich in nutrients. On a dry weight basis, it contains 25-35% protein, 10-15% minerals, and 7-10% vitamins and other bioactive compounds. This nutrient composition makes it a valuable feed ingredient for animals.

The protein content of azolla is comparable to soybean meal. It contains essential amino acids like lysine, methionine and tryptophan necessary for animal growth. Azolla is also rich in minerals like calcium, phosphorus and iron. It contains carotenoids that act as provitamins and various other growth promoting factors. 

Due to these nutrients, azolla can be fed to different livestock as a substitute for conventional feed ingredients. It can be given to poultry, both chicken and ducks, to fulfill their protein and vitamin requirements. Azolla can also be fed to sheep, goat, pig and rabbit as a replacement for part of their regular feed ration. This reduces the cost of animal feed while maintaining the nutritional quality.

In summary, the high protein and mineral content of azolla makes it a nutritious feed for various livestock. Its use in animal feed helps cut costs and provides a plant-based source of essential nutrients needed for growth and productivity of farm animals.

Here is a Simple way to Cultivate Azolla/ Duckweed but you can get a comprehensive guide here: Azolla cultivation guide 

1. Dig a shallow pond about 20 - 30cm deep, 2 to 3 meters long according to the pond liner you have and 60 to 70 cm wide. 

2. Place a plastic sheet or pond liner, to hold the water.

3. Add a small layer of soil in the pond

4. Add water to the pond and stir it

5. Add Reagents ( Nutrients and pH stabilizer) to the water which will work as fertilizer and provide nutrients to the plants or simply add manure that's rich in phosphorus.

6. Remove any debris suspended in the pond.

7. Get some fresh AZOLLA/ DUCKWEED and throw them in the pond. A 1X 4 meter pond will need about 1kg of azolla/ duckweed

8. After 10 - 14 days, the Azolla will cover the whole pond and harvest it on the 15th day. 

9. Harvest the Azolla by scooping it off from the pond by hand or using a sieve.

10. Feed the Azolla to your chickens, pigs, cows, goats etc but course wash it in fresh water before feeding.

You can start by planting it using half drums, half jerikan plastic or karai as you are looking for resources to plant on a large scale in bigger ponds.

In this blog post, we will discuss how to identify and control Gyllenhal in Azolla and ensure the successful growth of this miraculous plant.

How to identify the Gyllenhal Beetles:

Before we delve into control methods, it is essential to identify the Gyllenhal beetle and differentiate it from other beetles. These beetles are small, measuring about 3-5 mm in length, with an elongated body and shiny brown or black color. They have long antennae and six legs, and their larvae are white-colored with a brown head. Gyllenhal beetles are typically active during warm and humid weather conditions and can be found crawling on the surface of the Azolla plants.

Identify the Infected Plants

The first step in controlling Gyllenhal in Azolla is to identify the infected plants. Gyllenhal is known to prey on the green leafy portion of Azolla, leaving behind only the stems. Hence, inspect the Azolla mats for any plants that have only stems. These plants are most likely to be infested with Gyllenhal. Once identified, remove these plants from the mat and dispose of them away from the water body to prevent the spread of the beetles.

Manual Removal

The manual removal of Gyllenhal is the most effective and time-consuming method to control their population. You can use a fine mesh net or your hands to pick out the beetle from the Azolla mat. The sooner you remove the beetles, the less damage they cause to the plants.

Introduce Natural Predators

Another effective method to control Gyllenhal in Azolla is by introducing natural predators. Predatory aquatic insects such as water bugs, backswimmers, and dragonfly larvae feed on Gyllenhal and can keep their population in check. You can also consider introducing fish species like tilapia, who also have a liking for Gyllenhal larvae.

Use Organic Pesticides

If Gyllenhal population has grown out of control, then it is advisable to use organic pesticides to effectively control them. Neem oil-based pesticides are known to be effective against Gyllenhal and do not harm other aquatic life forms. Dilute the neem oil as per the instructions and spray it on the Azolla mat to get rid of Gyllenhal.

Maintain Optimal Growing Conditions

Healthy and rapidly growing Azolla mats are less susceptible to Gyllenhal infestation. Therefore, it is crucial to maintain optimal growing conditions for Azolla. Ensure that the water body is clean and does not have any sediments that can clog the Azolla mats. Regularly monitor the pH levels, and maintain them between 6.5-7.5, as Gyllenhal thrives in acidic conditions. Adequate sunlight and proper aeration also promote healthy growth, making Azolla less prone to pest attacks.

Practice Crop Rotation

Practicing crop rotation is another effective method to control Gyllenhal in Azolla. Planting Azolla for a year or two followed by a different crop can prevent the buildup of pests like Gyllenhal in the area. It also helps in maintaining soil fertility and prevents the spread of any diseases.

In conclusion, controlling Gyllenhal in Azolla requires a combination of manual, biological, and chemical control methods. Regular inspection and maintenance, along with the above methods, can successfully control Gyllenhal and ensure the growth of healthy Azolla mats. Adopt these practices to harness the full potential of Azolla and make it a sustainable addition to your agricultural practices.

FAQ about Gyllenhal

1. What are Gyllenhal beetles and how do they affect Azolla growth?

Gyllenhal beetles are small aquatic insects that feed on Azolla plants, damaging their leaves and inhibiting their growth.

2. How can I identify if my Azolla is infested with Gyllenhal beetles?

Look for small holes or notches in the leaves of your Azolla plants. You may also see the beetles themselves crawling on the surface of the water.

3. What can I do to control Gyllenhal beetles in my Azolla?

There are several options for controlling Gyllenhal beetles in Azolla, including physical removal, introducing natural predators, and using organic insecticides.

4. How do I physically remove Gyllenhal beetles from my Azolla?

Fill a bucket or basin with water and gently scoop up the Azolla plants, shaking them to dislodge any beetles. Repeat this process daily until the infestation is under control.

5. Can I introduce natural predators to control Gyllenhal beetles?

Yes, certain beetles, flies, and wasps are natural predators of Gyllenhal beetles and can be introduced to the Azolla habitat to help control the population.

6. Are there any organic insecticides that can be used to control Gyllenhal beetles?

Yes, neem oil and pyrethrin-based insecticides are effective and safe options for controlling Gyllenhal beetles in Azolla. Just be sure to follow the instructions carefully.

7. How can I prevent Gyllenhal beetles from infesting my Azolla in the future?

Maintaining a balanced ecosystem and good water quality can help prevent Gyllenhal beetle infestations. Avoid over-fertilizing and keep the Azolla area clean and free of debris.

8. Will controlling Gyllenhal beetles ensure successful growth of Azolla?

While Gyllenhal beetles can significantly impact Azolla growth, there may be other factors that can also affect its success, such as temperature, sunlight, and nutrient levels. Therefore, it is important to monitor and maintain all aspects of the Azolla environment.

9. Can I use chemical pesticides to control Gyllenhal beetles in Azolla?

Chemical pesticides should be a last resort and should only be used if all other control methods have been unsuccessful. It is important to use these chemicals carefully and sparingly to avoid harm to the Azolla and other organisms in the habitat.

10. How often should I monitor for Gyllenhal beetles in my Azolla?

It is recommended to regularly monitor your Azolla plants for signs of Gyllenhal beetles, especially during the growing season. This will allow you to catch and control infestations early on, ensuring the successful growth of your Azolla.

If you are interested in azolla cultivation you can get Azolla fern from neighboring farmers, local agriculture officers, or your local Agricultural Research organizations. 

Alternatively you can buy Azolla from us, click here 👉 Biofarm Kenya 👈

How much is Azolla per kg in Kenya?

Azolla price per Kg in Kenya is Ksh 1,000/=