Re: Agri-Strep
DavidS1812@aol.com wrote:
>
> 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
Have tried this before...as rare as hen's teeth to try to procure in my
area. Also _very expensive_...I can buy alot of cans of Ajax or Comet @
33 cents a can. I really had a bad borer infestation a couple of years
ago which caused a horrible soft rot contagion...tried to find Terraclor
and Agri-Strep ...finally found someone who would order it (Agri-Strep)
and it did really clear up the rot problem after I destroyed the really
bad ones that couldn't be saved. I was really worried about exposure to
the Agri-Strep because the warnings about nerve damage.
Julie Irwin <bajai@mtco.com>
USDA zone 5 Pekin, IL
