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Letters | Opinion | Editorial | Weekend Report |
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Rust fungi attacks geranium plants By Oscar philips: Q. I have a number of geranium plants and there are a number of yellow and orange spots on the leaves which wilt and drop from the stem, and my plants seem to be stunted. Can you tell me what is causing the problem and what should I use to correct this problem? — C.W., Eastern Road.
A. From the description you have given about the geranium plants, it is clear that your plants are suffering from an attack of rust fungi. Spray your infected plants thoroughly covering both surfaces with Funginex, or a fungicide containing chlorothalonil. Continue to spray every seven to 10 days or as often as necessary to protect new new growth. Remove and destroy all infected foliage or infected plant parts. You should water your plants early in the evening so that the leaves of your plants will dry out thoroughly before nightfall.
Q. We planted some liriope plants about three months ago. We have been watering them regularly, however, many of the plants are turning yellow. Some leaves are dying. What can be done to save and correct the situation? I.H., Nassau East
A. From the outline you have given of your liriope plants it seems that they may be suffering from over-watering. Most plants in this class should be watered once a day in the morning at time of planting for the first week, then every other day in the second week, once every third day in the third week and once a week thereafter if there is no rain. You should also try the use of a fungicide such as copper or Daconil.
Q. I have what appears to be scales on my fern plants. So many insecticides do not include fern plants on their label. What can I use on my fern plants to combat scale? — A.M., Village Road
A. May I suggest that you use an old garlic spray mixture comprising of three-ounces of crushed garlic with 1/2 ounce of paraffin oil. Let mixture stand for 48 hours then mix with 1/4 ounce of oil with one pint of water and drain off the lumps. This oil mixture will store indefinitely and should be diluted in the following manner —one part oil spray to 50 parts water which can then be sprayed onto your plants. Sulphur dust or insecticidal soap will also control the scale, and should be applied according to directions on the label.
Q. I have heard that insecticidal soap will kill aphids and some other insects. Will it also control mites?
A. Insecticidal soaps are labeled for sap-sucking insects and mites. Good insect coverage and several applications may be necessary for good mite control.
JANUARY PLANTING GUIDE VEGETABLES: Beets, broccoli, brussel sprouts, cabbage, carrots, cauliflowers, corn, celery, collard, cucumber, eggplant, onion, parsley, peas, pumpkin, peppers, potatoes, radish, spinach, swiss chard, tomatoes, turnip and watermelon. FLOWERS: Ageratum, alyssum, African daisy, aster, begonia, balsam, calendula, candyturf, celosia, carnation, cornflower, dianthus, delphinium, gaillardia, gerber, hollyhock, larkspur, lupine, marigold, nasturtium, pansy, petunia, phlox, salvia, shasta daisy, snapdragon, stock, sweet pea, Sweet William, verbena and vinca. GRASSES: Bahia, centipede and zoysia. For help with your garden problems write to Garden Korner, P.O. Box N-3011 Nassau.
Tuesday January 26, 2010 |
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