Re: Is it rot, or not?
- To: i*@Rt66.com
- Subject: Re: Is it rot, or not?
- From: D*@aol.com
- Date: Sat, 27 Apr 1996 02:56:26 -0400
D. (???) Since you said that you got right down to ground level did you get a
foul fetid odor emanating from the plant (s) ??? Bacterial soft rot has a
very distinctive odor and once you have smelled it you will not soon forget
it. If there was not that distinctive odor then I doubt it was bacterial.
Sometimes there is a "winter rot" and I have never been able to find out what
causes it.
In any event, if you are concerned, sprinkle Comet cleanser on the vacant
rhizome and DO NOT disturb the growth of the increase.
Don't know why everyone is talking about using comet and bleach for rot
treatment when the very best method is spraying with a solution of
Agri-Strep. Agri-Strep is a water soluble powder containing 17% streptomycin
sulfate. One-half to one teaspoonful is dissolved in one gallon of water.
The resulting solution may be stored for an entire growing season without
appreciable loss of potency. I,normally, will use less than one gallon over
all my plantings in one season. Streptomycin is the treatment of choice
against Erwinia carrotovora, which causes bacterial soft rot. The powder
(available in an 8 oz package) should be available from most agricultural
supply houses. Once I open the package and use some of the powder I place it
in a Zip-Lock bag and store it in the freezer. There is enough powder in one
package for 48 gallons at the rate of one teaspoonful/gallon. Using any more
than 1 tsp/ gallon is wasteful and does not provide any more killing power.
Transfer your prepared solution to any suitable pump spray bottle (such as
spray starch, or windex) with a trigger spray and carry it with you on your
daily rounds through the garden. When you detect soft rot just spray onto and
around the affected area and within 24 hours the problem is solved. Seldom if
ever have I had to retreat the same plant. If you can't find a source let me
know. I have a source.
Has anyone else out there used Agri-strep????
One major caution!!! Streptomycin affects the 8th cranial nerve which is the
auditory nerve and in susceptible individuals can cause a temporary or
permanent loss of hearing. So, as is required, when handling any agricultural
chemical WEAR A FACE MASK, and follow manufacturer's directions.
Regards Doc Dave
