Re: Cult :Dormant oils

From: HIPSource@aol.com

In a message dated 98-10-28 14:01:38 EST, you write:

<<  Their comments basically say that care should be used with dormant oils
and soaps, since they can strip off and damage the leaf cuticle (natural waxy
coating on the leaves which is a natural protection for the plant) making the
leaves susceptible to sunscalding, allowing further disease and insect damage.
The recommendation is to use the oils more weakly than recommended.>>

Sounds entirely plausible to me. Soaps can certainly ravage your plants.

Such is why I would only experiment with the lightest type of oil and only
when the plants are pretty well asleep. The possible damage to the waxy
coating is the only thing I am really worried about and that is why--other
than the fact that you want to spray after the eggs are laid--I intend to try
this only after the plants have pretty much shut down for the winter and the
foliage has been hit by frost and so forth. I also intend to apply a light
concentration very selectively to the bases of the plants and any surrounding
surfaces, including the ground. I will select a warmer but overcast day. 

I would not suggest that anyone go to town with this or otherwise behave
recklessly, but for me the experiment is worth some risk up to a point. 

I repeat, I do not have any information to suggest this will be effective, nor
do I have any assurances you won't hurt your plants. Proceed only at your own
risk.

Anner Whitehead
HIPSource@aol.om

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