Re: CULT: Systemic Pesticides

In a message dated 98-01-16 22:17:10 EST, you write:

<< I'm having problems with spider mite and scale on several of the IRIDs I
 grow in my sunspace.  I won't spray anything toxic since this space is
 contiguous with living area.  (Even oil spray makes a mess.)  Has anyone
 ever used a dilute solution of a systemic pesticide like Isotox and watered
 potted plants?  Was this successful?  What dilution? >>

Kathy,

Since you do not want to treat indoors could you carry out the plants on a day
when the temp is above freezing and drench them, soil and pot as well, with
something that will do the job.  

Mites and scale are tough customers indoors.  I don't think one is worse than
the other.  If your plants are irids and probably not easily replaceable you
might consider malathion on the the scale and kelthane on the mites.

I usually do that job in the driveway.  Systemics take many weeks to be
effective but could be added to the treatment.  If I have an awful mite
infestation there is the possibility of holding in the soil with a plastic bag
and turning the entire plant upside down into a solution.  You can never get
all the mites, just sort of beat back the invasion.  I would discard a common
plant.

These two pests are the bain of the winter garden indoors.

Claire Peplowski
East Nassau, NY
zone 4 - and cold
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