pondering sage

hi,
last year i air layered a wisteria branch that is about wrist thick. winter was coming so i severed it a bit too early and potted it up anyway, without any roots to speak of. Just when i was about to give up hope this spring i noticed three big flower buts. Initially, i saw ants but later aphids and they completely ate one of the buds. Panicked, I ran to the nursery to get an insecticide, which seems to be working. I like to be eco-friendly so I wanted some feed back on any natural/organic products or options that might work. and if not a good insecticide.
Sorry that was a bit long winded, I'm just really excited about this wisteria.
sage

Mattbonsai

Seeing that it is a young plant, it might be an idea to remove any flowers as they appear, so it avoids sending all its energy into flowers and down into roots instead.

My favourite insecticide / pesticide has to be Provado Ultimate Bug Killer, I buy it in Concentrate, and it works well, even with a heavy Scale infestation on my Cacti, and Advocado it completely rid them of the little blighters with only two applications. It destroyed a potential Aphid infestation on my Japanese Maple, alongside an ant powder, of course, to stop them moving the aphids onto the maple.

Although not organic, and I have no organic insecticide experience I would Recommend Provado to annyone!

-Matt-

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Phil

If you don't wish anything harmful try using a product called CONCERN. It's an insect killing soap that can even be used on vegetables right before harvest so it's harmless (except to Aphids and a multitude of other pests). I forget where I bought mine from but I'm in need of more myself. Just Google by typing in CONCERN INSECT KILLING SOAP and you will come up with plenty of places to purchase it from and, also find the best price. The stuff has worked great for me over the years.

~Phil

__________________

Please, always keep in mind that the typewritten word does not always convey what you wish to say, and to always treat others as you would have them treat you. Think twice-submit once.
I started out with nothing....and still have most of it.
"Its hell out there, give them hell back." ~ Prowler/Victor Gray 12/31/1943 - 11/24/2008

pondering sage

Thanks for the replies. I'll look for both these products.
Matt good point about directing the energy. maybe the aphids were helping me out...no, probably not.
There is no sight of other leafing buds on this one and my other wisteria already have leaves. I still have my fingers crossed.
sage

Ml_work

Sage,
The first caterpillar I pulled from my Jap Red Maple this year sent me into a panic. I did some research and found the Neem Oil. From what I read it is safe on plants, the oil chokes the bugs. The draw back is once it is mixed they recommend not using after about a week. I ordered some but have not used it, pulled one more caterpillar from the Maple and have not seen any since. I have listed a link to Brussels, they told me it is what they use.

http://www.brusselsbonsai.com/shopsi...rtilizers.html

Hope this helps.
ML

centaura

Keep an eye out for ants again, though. The ants probably put those aphids there in the first place - ants are aphid 'ranchers' who move aphids around to areas of better 'grazing'.

Neem oil is supposed to be a good organic insecticide, especially mixed with a little dish soap, but it hasn't been that productive for me. I tend to end up getting the insecticidal soaps.

-Centaura

Ml_work

I have read about the dish soap mix for the plants also. I have not tested, but the first thought that comes to my mind is "caustic". Some dish soaps have caustic in them to cut oil and grease. If you ever use them you will notice your hands are rough and dry later, that's the caustic eating the skin. I would read the label, if it brags about cutting the grease, it may have the caustic, which I would think bad for trees.
ML

Phil

As said, there are some commercial insect killing soaps on the market.
When using regular dish soap it’s only used in very small amounts so as not to cause any harm to the plant.
As for the word caustic it is not a thing or a chemical but simply the descriptive word for what certain chemicals can do.
The word caustic means; “capable of destroying or eating away by chemical action” or, a caustic remark as in; “marked by incisive sarcasm”
The only point I’m trying to make is that you’re not going to find the word caustic listed as an ingredient simply because it’s an adjective.
You may however find certain warnings on labels stating that the substance contains caustic chemicals and or, materials.
So much for my English lesson today!

~Phil

__________________

Please, always keep in mind that the typewritten word does not always convey what you wish to say, and to always treat others as you would have them treat you. Think twice-submit once.
I started out with nothing....and still have most of it.
"Its hell out there, give them hell back." ~ Prowler/Victor Gray 12/31/1943 - 11/24/2008

Mattbonsai

I'd be careful about recommending Washing up liquid - water treatment to anyone in the European union as well. According to the colleges garden centre manager who taught me for the Customer Care modules, diluting washing up liquid and spraying it on your plants is against European laws affecting chemicals, because the chemical (washing up liquid) is not being used for its intended purpose or being stored in its original container correctly labelled (in most cases)

Its not like you're going to go to prison, but for those who don't like breaking even petty laws like this its good to know.

-Matt-

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Phil

Do you mean to tell me that you're not allowed to place dish washing soap in another container? Thats insane! Are you sure your not living in California where you're required to have a license to breath in their air?

~Phil

__________________

Please, always keep in mind that the typewritten word does not always convey what you wish to say, and to always treat others as you would have them treat you. Think twice-submit once.
I started out with nothing....and still have most of it.
"Its hell out there, give them hell back." ~ Prowler/Victor Gray 12/31/1943 - 11/24/2008