Re: Culture: Dormant Oil (just an opinion)

From: HIPSource@aol.com

In a message dated 98-10-29 20:24:38 EST, you write:

<<  My understanding of dormant oil is that it is used to prevent
desiccation..... It is used most effectively when a plant is grown  near (or
past) its point of winter hardiness.... or when a shrub is subject to winter
burn. Since excess moisture decreases chance of winter survival for most
irises (due to rot), I can't see the sense in trying to decrease moisture loss
with dormant oil. >>

The product I intend to use is SunSpray Ultra-Fine spray oil, which is
identified as a "Superior horticultural spray oil for insect and mite pest
management."

The anti-transpirant I know about, and the one used hereabouts in summer and
winter, is Wilt-Pruf Plant Protector. It is this with which I spray my rather
tender gardenia.

The Wilt-Pruf label says it is "the safe way to reduce moisture loss when
plant are under stress due to winter kill, windburn, transplant shock or
drought." It further says that the product forms a clear membrane that does
not affect respiration, osmosis or photosynthesis. There is no mention of any
pesticidal action. One application generally lasts all winter.

The SunSpray says not to spray plants "suffering from drought (moisture
stress)" or "when there is obvious moisture deficit in the leaves". It may be
used on food crops up to the day of harvest.

I'm not inclined to draw any broad conclusions from any of this other than
that the action of the two products does not sound identical to me. I would
certainly not trust the survival of the gardenia to the oil, however. 

Anner Whitehead
HIPSource@aol.com

 


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