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Chesterfield, MO

I was wondering if any of you have used organic insecticides/fungicides and how well they worked compared to chemical ones? Thanks.

12/18/2002 6:13:01 PM

Ctpumpkin@optonline.net

M-Pede is the commercial version of Safer Soap. It does a fair job with Powdery Mildew & controls soft bodied insects. But don't use it at temperatures over 85*F or on days that are expected to rise that high before the spray has dried.

Armicarb (baking soda with a legal label) does a fair job on Powdery Mildew too.

Sulfur works, but again, watch temps.

Zerotrol (like hydrogen peroxide, but different) is supposed to work. But I haven't tried it. A major botanical garden IPM manager was swearing by this stuff until it got hot this summer. He doesn't work there any more.

The trouble with controlling AG insect pests is not complex as long as we remember who we're dealing with. SVB & Cuke Bealtes are hard enough to control with conventional isecticides. Soft, natural, & bio rational insecticides aren't going to perform well even if the timing were very close to perfect. And around here, that's almost never. One would almost have to live in the patch to get acceptable results.

Steve Jepsen

12/18/2002 8:52:46 PM

Covington, WA

Neem oil spray is listed for fungicide and insecticide use. I have used Green Light fruit and vegetable spray with some success against aphids, whitefly, and powdery mildew in my roses and my vetetable garden. I don't have a bottle handy to check everything it is listed for. They sell several varieties of packaging for this product, but all are essentially the same, 10% neem oil. I doubt this has any affect on the dreaded SVB or squash bugs or stink bugs, but works well on the soft bodied suckers.

1/25/2003 3:55:47 PM

Garden State Pumpkins

Arbico.com has nematodes etc for organic gardening was thinking along these lines myself to incorporate into the new patch.

2/5/2003 9:24:38 AM

Western Pa.

I attempted to grow Tansy one year in the patch. It is a bitter herb and is supposed to ward off cuke beetles. Don't know how well it works, mine never germinated.

2/5/2003 9:41:54 AM

Montoursville, PA

Nematodes to treat 200sq. ft. price out at about $25.00. As only one of several needs that seemed to pricy. Can't imagine how the Pumpkin HMO could handle that. :))

2/5/2003 11:20:44 AM

Chico, Ca

Go to www.Greenfire.net to check out a whole host of good products. Their nematodes Are $15.00 and treat an area of 1-2000 sqft.

2/12/2003 2:45:11 PM