Reversion to white
- To: Multiple recipients of list <i*@rt66.com>
- Subject: Reversion to white
- From: "* B* <j*@infinet.com>
- Date: Wed, 22 Apr 1998 00:55:44 -0600 (MDT)
I knew if I looked long enough, I would find the reference I saw regarding
chemicals
and iris reversions. It is in Cooley's Iris Gardens (February 97)
newsletter . I will
quote the pertinent parts:
"Small white rounded flowers with only a hint of color is a sure sign of
herbicide drift,
or direct spraying. RoundUp is an excellent product when used correctly, but
will have
very negative effects on iris buds. Most weed control products of this
nature are
genetically altering and will transform the flowers into very peculiar
specimens. Rest
assured it affects only the current bloom."
<snip>
"Another herbicide that has the same effect and can have more devastating
effects, is 2,4-D.
If you use weed and feed on your lawn, it probably contains 2,4-D. This
chemical can be
absorbed through the roots of the iris and damage can range from slight to
severe. Be
careful of water run-off from a lawn treated with 2,4-D. Your iris bed is
the last place you
want this stuff to go."
Most lawn services pick the time of year when iris buds are forming to spray
their weed control
compounds. While reversion has never been a problem, ChemLawn was nice
enough to
spread their dry fertilizer( high N) a few years back right before a rain.
Despite explicit instructions
from me, a lot ended up in the iris beds. The blooms were the right color,
but the stalks rotted
off the rhizomes and fell over. I got to know erwinia very well that spring.
Since then, my lawn
has never had a treatment, except with my dandelion spear.
John Bruce
jbruce@infinet.com
1VP Miami Valley Iris Society
AIS Region 6 / SW OH Zone5
