Hello!
Just wanting to get some feedback on anyone that has used or know of someone who has used it and what results were obtained from it.
I understand what this product does is make the plant think it is being attacked and it thus builds up the immune system.
I talked to a gal there today and she said it is very safe to use on violets and orchids....the orchids I could use as a foliar spray and the violets to water in the soil but you don't need much and it is repeated about every three to four weeks.
Here is the website:
http://www.edenbio.com/garden/
Appreciate any input.
Thanks,
Joanne
Messenger - Immune builder
Interesting, Joanne. I've not used it nor do I know anyone who has. Would like to more about it though. Can't help but be amused at the thought of plants responding favorably to being attacked. I wonder how my chimeras feel when I go after them with a serrated knife to remove their crowns lol?
With search in Dg's you will find a lot of info on this product and people who used it. There has been some Co-Op's too !
http://davesgarden.com/forums/t/620738/
http://davesgarden.com/forums/t/614593/
Some info tells you how it worked for others too !
http://davesgarden.com/forums/t/595330/
There's been some discussion on the hoya forum. For example http://davesgarden.com/forums/t/481287/
Roses: what is messenger?
http://davesgarden.com/forums/t/577362/#new
Thanks Allison....but none of these say anything about using it on violets unless I missed it.
Joanne
There is an article in the September/October 2006 AVMag pages 34-35 about Messenger by Barbara Pershing. Here are her conclusions:
1. African violets may be more sensitive to Messenger than other plants.
2. Half rate (1/8 teaspoon per quart water) may be the best application rate.
3. Spraying the foliage with a heavy spray may be too much. an atomizer which would lightly put a "dew" on the leaves may be better.
4. Monthly treatment of Messenger is likely too frequent.
5. A soil drench may be an appropriate way to apply the Messenger.
6. Messenger enhances blooming; it may be necessary to disbud plants until the foliage is of appropriate size for variety.
7. Age of the plant when treated may be important; older plants will likely experience a culture break when new foliage from the center growing point come in larger.
8. The blooming/disbudding cycle is likely altered; research is needed to evaluate this.
9. Treated plants may need to be repotted more frequently due to increased root growth.
10 NEVER USE A NEW PRODUCT ON YOUR ENTIRE COLLECTION; TRY IT ON A FEW AND RECORD YOUR RESULTS1
She goes into detail of her trails and the results. She is looking for others who would like to keep records of their trails and report to her.
Thanks Nanna
Thanks Nan.....will go have a boo at the article. This was my greatest concern is using it on my violets. The gal I talked to said to just pour a little on the soil.
Joanne
According to the article that might be the best use. But it sounds like there is not enough data on violets as yet. You might like to be one of the tester giving information to B. Pershing. Work with two or three of your plants.
It takes me a long time to try something new. I just adjusting my potting mix to two parts perlite and one part commercial av mix and a little charcoal. My new things is allowing the plant to bloom one stock to make sure the bloom is true. Then, disbudding and allowing the plant to grow to full size before letting the it bloom again. It's hard to wait because the blooms are so pretty. However, I am learning to appreciate the leaves and how they grow. I am also experimenting with humdity. I find I can spend almost all day enjoy the plants--just looking at them and touching them.
Yes I think that is what I will do...I have the Messenger on the way so will try it and report to Barbara Pershing...that was a very good article and thank you for bringing it to my attention.
Joanne
I'm the same way Nanna, I love to rub the AV leaves especially if they're really fuzzy. They have a coolness to them that feels good to the touch, I think they like it too. I'm also trying disbudding for the first time. I let the older plants bloom so I can have some color, but after I see that a new plant blooms true, I'm disbudding and letting the leaves grow. Maybe we can get some of those really big monster plants that you see in the AVSA mag.
Joanne, I've sprayed Messenger on my AVs. Most of them twice, some just once since I haven't had em that long. The last time being 2 weeks ago. I've using the recomended dose and haven't noticed anything bad happen. The first time I used it was around the first of Dec. and I mixed it with Dyna-Gro Neem Oil for mold on the leaves I'd put down and let get way too humid.
I'd like to read that article. I'll have to try to borrow that one.
Debbie
Hello!
Well I got my Messenger yesterday and have tried it today on my NOIDS and have documented everything. I mixed it 1 envelope to 3 gallons rather than the 1 envelope to 1 gallon which is what it called for. I was told to water the violets with it rather than spray them.
I also watered a few other plants with it and have documented that as well.
I have a very nice Hoya Carnosa and two miniature Hoya Serpens that I watered with it and sprayed the foliage.
http://www.succulent-plant.com/hoya2.html
I also have two Madagascar Jewels that I am trying to bonsai and I have watered one with it and they are side by side so it will be easy to see any difference in them.
http://davesgarden.com/pf/go/64943/
So bottom line is I will let everyone know how I make out. Wish me luck!
Joanne
Thanks for touching base. It will be very interesting to see what happens.
Sounds interesting. I saw it on sale some where the other day hhmm ? Maybe it was Charley's but I look so many places. Where did you buy yours ? They have had several Coops
I had it sent to me by a friend in the US. Yes Charley's carries it as well but it costs a little more.
Joanne
Not sure but I think I saw it on sale there. I always check their sales.
Morning!
I don't know if any of you are familiar with a program called The Garden Hotline with Ralph Snodsmith....well I contacted him with regards to a program he did back in the summer of 2004 on Messenger with Jeff I believe it was.
Well he informed me that he is doing an interview with Lisa Bednarski with Eden BioScience on February 18th, 2007 from 9:00 - 10:00 AM EST and you can listen online if you are not able to pick up the radio station WOR 710 HD.
Or you can also download the podcast!
http://wor710.com/pages/47316.php
I am so excited about it....I asked Ralph if he is still using Messenger and he said he sure is. So mark your calendars.
Joanne
This message was edited Feb 11, 2007 8:23 AM
There is a Co-Op for this going on now not sure it may be filled.
Charley's greenhouse has it for sale too/.
Hi Allison,
Yes I know Charley's has it and I found others that have it as well. I have already found a supplier for it. I got my a couple weeks ago.
Joanne
Cool ! What have you used it on so far ? I read use it every three weeks ?
Hi Allison,
I have used it on some NOIDS but I used it very, very weak so I am thinking I probably won't get the response I should had I used it the proper strength but I was just erring on the side of caution.
I have sprayed it on a Clivia and a few other plants.
The violets I just watered it in rather than spraying.
Joanne
Good morning!
Hope some of you got in on the interview Ralph Snodsmith did with Lisa Bednarski on Messenger yesterday.
If you forgot about it...you can listen online or download the podcast. Here is the URL....it is the second hour on the right hand side that you want to download or listen to.
It was very good info:
http://wor710.com/pages/47316.php
Enjoy your day!
Joanne