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Re: Propagation Tools/Misters

At 12:52 PM 2/28/97 -0800, you wrote:
>Hi Bob,
>
>I'm having alot of trouble with damping off.  I don't water or mist from

Hi,
Sometimes it seems as though you can't win for trying.  I also had a big
problem with damping off one year which I DO think was from a bag of mix
that wasn't stored properly.  I became so paranoid that the next year I
drenched every flat with Banrot one half tsp per gallon or one tsp per
gallon BEFORE sowing my seeds.  That seemed to cure it for most things.  Now
I only drench flats that I know are susceptible.  Another thing that helped
was to cut my prop media with perlite: 2 parts media to one part perlite.
Better drainage.

I also disinfect all my benches, tools, pots. surfaces, walkways, walls,
etc, at least once a week.  That goes a long way to prevent the nasties.

Another problem is botrytis in teeny seedlings like Aruncus, Astilbe,
Incarvellia, etc.  For those something that has really helped is to soak the
seed for five minutes in Physan or Triathlon one half tsp per gallon of
water, and then sow.  Now I get great seedlings.

I know it sounds like I use tons of fingicides, but I don't.  I am willing
to use them if I can't grow the plants I need.  Usually cultural methods
work, but sometimes I have to get out the big guns.  Remember, you need to
use a respirator and protective gear with this stuff, so if you aren't
trained, I'd not do it.  Banrot LD50 is 10,000 and Physan is 500. 

Shelley Dillard
Propagator
Morris Arboretum
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