Systemics for potted greenhouse plants?

Is there a safe systemic insecticide to use in a attached sunroom/greenhouse to use with potted plants? I've started getting mealybugs and have been able to keep them under control.... so far. I fear that this winter they will flourish and get out of control. So far, insecticidal soap and isopropyl alcohol are working, but I have to be vigilant. Any recommendations would be appreciated.

neem oil , works great on mealy bugs neem oil comes from a plant so its deemed organic.

I've read that there are different types or forms of neem oil on the market. Which "form" is best?

I've used both Safer brand and Garden Safe brand neem and they've both worked well--I don't remember the details on which form of neem is better but I'm pretty sure they're the more effective form of it. Neem does smell a bit nasty so if the sunroom is right off of a room you spend a lot of time in you'll want to time your application for a time when people aren't going to be hanging out there. Also while neem does have some systemic properties, I don't think the effect lasts nearly as long as the non-organic systemics like imidacloprid so you'll probably find you have to reapply more frequently than you would with those.

Bayer Advanced Tree and Shrub is a systemic, which contains imidacloprid and is used by many including myself to keep Mealies and Aphids at bay. It is used at a rate of 1 ounce to 1 gallon of water. This is an "off label" use of the product so use at your own risk. I have used it for three years and have never seen a Mealy or an Aphid in that time period. It is applied one time per year in a soil drench.

Doug

This message was edited Sep 23, 2009 1:49 PM

Doug: Do you use it for potted plants indoors? I've had great results using it outdoors, and wondered if I could use it inside (off label use of course). And, are you talking about the 12-month systemic treatment (since you use it once per year)? Since it's a drench, I felt it would be better than the spray which my local greenhouse/garden center recommended.

I use it on all my potted plants (Around 100 Potted Hoyas) that I move inside my home from the greenhouse. The only thing that imidacloprid is said to have no effect on, and may in fact increase their reproductivity, is Spider Mites. This year, knock on wood, I didn't have any problem with those. If Spider Mites become a problem I suggest a couple of Neem treatments, which worked well for me.

Doug

To all: Thanks for the info. I'll try the neem first, then the Bayer if this initial control doesn't work.

Imidacloprid also doesn't work for cottony cushion scale (although it does work for other types of scale)

Doug,

"The only thing that imidacloprid is said to have no effect on, and may in fact increase their reproductivity, is Spider Mites."

Bayer Advanced 3-in-1 Insect, Disease & Mite Control http://www.bayeradvanced.com/product/3-in-1-Insect-Disease-and-Mite-Control/concentrate.html contains Taufluvalinate to control mites. If I develop a mite problem on my indoor zinnias, I plan to give it a try.

ZM

(not associated with any product or vendor mentioned)

I'm wondering if this is a new product; I've never seen it before. Bayer Advanced Tree and Shrub (BATS) is what I am familiar with and is a 12 month systemic that is watered into the ground. This 3-in1 product appears to be a spray with some systemic properties lasting 30 days or more. It could very well be a great product worth looking into.

Doug

Doug,

"I'm wondering if this is a new product; I've never seen it before."

Bayer Advanced has several products that I haven't seen in our local Home Depots or Lowe's. Maybe they are new. http://www.bayeradvanced.com/productFamily/rose-and-flower-care.html I have come to prefer systemics for ornamentals. They don't wash off and those that are absorbed through the roots can offer long time protection, including protection for new growth. I have had good results with Bayer Advanced All-In-One Rose & Flower Care http://www.bayeradvanced.com/product/All-In-One-Rose-Flower-Care/concentrate.html for my outdoor zinnias. It is not labeled for indoor or container grown plants and I emailed Bayer as to why not, and they replied,

"We would not suggest using the Bayer Advanced All-In-One Rose and Flower Care concentrate on any potted or container plants since we cannot guarantee the results. There are two problems you can have with this type of application. The first is that you could lose the product and water mixture through the drainage holes at the bottom of the pot. Since the roots are restricted there is also a chance it could burn the roots and damage the plant. We would suggest using the Bayer Advanced 3-in-1 Insect, Disease, and Mite Control. This product is a mild systemic. When applied, it is absorbed into the plant."

Unfortunately, I think you have to apply the Bayer Advanced 3-in-1 Insect, Disease, and Mite Control as a spray. The advantage of Bayer Advanced All-In-One Rose and Flower Care is that you can apply it as a soil drench, and skip the spray if you wish. During bitter cold Winter weather it can be very inconvenient to take plants outdoors to spray them. I don't have a greenhouse, and grow my plants indoors during the "off-season." In single digit temperatures, even a very brief exposure can be disastrous to a tender plant. (Grin. And it can be really annoying to have your spray freeze in mid air.)

In the past, I have had serious problems with both aphids and thrips on my indoor zinnias, and a no-spray solution for them is almost a requirement for me. I think I will experiment with diluted applications of Bayer Advanced All-In-One Rose and Flower Care on my indoor zinnias, even though the product is not labeled for that. I will dilute it much more than the label-recommended rate to start with.

ZM

(not associated with any product or vendor mentioned)

Thanks for all that work ZM, and good luck with your Indoor Zinias. I think that 3-in1 product might have some real benefits for some - especially with Spider Mite problems, which have been difficult to control for many hobby greenhouse owners.

Doug

The 3-in-1 spray isn't particularly new, I've seen it around for at least a couple of years. My HD and Lowes usually have it, although that doesn't necessarily mean they would in other areas of the country too but it's definitely worth checking for it there.

I should also add to make sure you look closely at the label before you buy it--I'm pretty sure I've seen another similar Bayer spray that just has imidacloprid and not the other ingredient that'll kill the mites