A while ago, I gave a few rooted AV leaves to a friend-she told me that she noted some root mealies in them (nice gift, eh?). Anyway, I haven't seen any and my plants look healthy to me, but I would like to treat them anyway just in case. What is the favorite treatment for them these days? I know Marathon used to be a popular choice-is there anything newer or better? I have about 10 semi miniature plants-I'll be repotting soon. Should I treat before, after or during repotting?
Thanks!
Deb
Soil/Root Mealies
Here is what I read and hope it helps.
Mealy Bug - It is essential that the mealy bug is killed promptly but the cotton-wool cover can repel any insecticide sprayed onto it, so often a wetting agent in the insecticide spray is required. The normal way of attacking the mealy bug is to use a contact insecticide such as malathion (not for Crassulaceae) or systemic insecticide usually based on a organophosphorus compound ( dimethoate is often recommended) While these can be quite effective many strains of mealy bug have built up some resistance to these and it may be necessary to try more than one type for effective control! Some insecticide such as one containing Malathion can be painted on with a fine brush, kept especially for this purpose. For large or widespread infestations, use regular applications (weekly for several weeks) A single application will often not be sufficient to eliminate all the insects and their young. Before spraying be sure that plant has been well watered a day prior to treating. This will decrease the risk of chemically burning your cactus. Good hygiene is important as mealy bugs love to hide under dead leaves or flowers or other places where you and your insecticide spray cannot reach. In a bad case, total immersion of the plant in a bucket of insecticide will get the majority of the mealy bugs including root mealy bugs.
Root Mealy Bug - Remove all soil and destroy it. Wash the roots thoroughly and treat (eventually immerging the whole plant) with the above mentioned insecticide, letting the roots dry after treatment and before replanting in completely fresh, sterilized soil. Always cleanse and sterilize frames and all other items used when replanting. Regular applications (weekly for several weeks) of insecticide watered into the soil are also effective, it's also possible to immerse the plant pot up to the top of the soil in a bucket of insecticide.
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I googled and found this information about root mealies on AV's: http://www.gardening-guides.com/plants-a-z/african-violets7.php
And this. See page 2 : http://groups.msn.com/TheVioletVoiceTestSite/mealybugs.msnw
Thank you for the information. I read on one of the "sticky" links that using diatomacious earth in the soil mix can be helpful. The Marathon I have is Imidacloprid. It says it can be used as a drench as well as in the water resevoirs of wicked plants-the only thing is that my dog likes to get into my water resevoirs for an occasional drink . . .I think I need better containers if I go this route. From what I've been reading, soil mealies can be difficult to get rid of. I'm determined, though!
plantladylin, that msn link is great. I used to be a memeber of that group and forgot all about it-very nice folks!
Thanks!
Deb
You are welcome Deb ... I will have to go back and check that out. It's just one of the sites that came up when I googled. :)
I use Marathon in granule form for all my indoor plants when i first pot them up to prevent mealy bugs in the soil. Marathon lasts about 60-90 days or I just ordered some Admire from Cedar Creek (they sell both) . Admire can be used as a drench whereas the marathon I use 1/4 tsp and spread on the surface and then water in.
Admire last only 6 weeks I think.
As long as the product has that big word that starts with an I that you named........it ought to work............
Gessie, I might try to find the granules to work into my soil mix when I repot-that sounds like it would work pretty slick-
Thanks!
Deb
Cedar Creek Violets' website sells it. I always keep some on hand. Supposedly they were going to make a bigger size for not 'double' the money, but the little container goes a long way for me.
Imidacloprid is sometimes marketed under the name Merit. If you find Bayer Advanced Tree And Shrub you will find the Merit or Imidacloprid. They also have started making it in a small spike for houseplants. It comes with an applicator that pushes it down into the soil and it also has a small amount of fertilizer. I prefer the Bayer Advanced Tree And Shrub (or BATS as it's called by some :)
D
I was told (but don't know if it is true) that you shouldn't use Bayer on gesneriads. I use it on my outside plants but never on the inside plants.
I don't know about the Gesneriads but it is used on houseplants as the spikes are for them. It's also used on Hoyas.... Big time by people here on DG. But it is the Imidacloprid that's in those 2 products I mentioned.....don't want to steer anyone wrong here though. What chemical is in the ones you use?
I would think that Imidacloprid is Imidacloprid-unless there are other additives that Bayer uses that could be harmful, which I think is doubtful. The spikes sound interesting-where do you find them? I wasn't able to access the supplies page at Cedar Creek-so I'm still looking. I live in a fairly small town and it's hard to find stuff here.
Thanks-
Deb
Anywhere they sell Bayer products you should be able to get them. If it's a mom and pop store (I work at one) that carries Bayer products ask if they can order it for you. It comes packaged a pack of 10 with an applicator. I think it was new maybe last year. And like I said it does come with fert. added which I'm not crazy about. But please check around first as I don't want to be the cause of using something harmful to your Gessies! Gail is quite the pro around here and definately knows her 'stuff'!
BTW- I think the Imidacloprid is the same stuff they use on flea collars for cats too.
I feel terrible as Cedar Creek is not selling them anymore. Someone had told me that you have to have a certain license to sell ......I told everyone aabout them and I hope they didn't get in trouble.
I am not a pro and I wish I could find the thread that tells us not to use Bayer on gesneriads. I use Bayers on my hoyas and everything outside in pots. If I had a memory, I could remember why you shouldn't use Bayer's on gessies. Write Critterologist a dmail and ask her....
I used to buy AV chemicals from a place called Goose Gardens in CA and I know they had to stop selling them, too. I don't remember exactly why, either, so don't feel bad. there must be some regulatory thing about selling chemicals.
I am going to Rob's Violet Barn and see what he says in the cultural section...be right back
http://www.robsviolet.com/faq.htm
here are answers to a lot of questions..........and this is a good site...........
Thanks for the link I found it nice to read... I am going to try later to post a few pictures of what I have blooming.. One is a esp. one I don't know the spelling now but will when I take a picture....Lookes like she is going to have a lite orange bloom and also have a the saliva chirita blooming again then I have two newer blooms coming from two I don't know... I have had fun with these during the winter....
Susan