using antibiotis on orchids?

[orchids3]

My orchid society recently had a speaker named R.A. Cating - Doctorate by now - Plant pathologist. Education paid for by the South Florida growers association from proceeds from the Redlands orchid festival - specializing in orchid pathogens. You can get a lot of the doctoral level stuff at Publications - Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Also Dr catings papers are published there. He has a book in the works and if it is as good as his program it will be a good one.
Fungus and bacteria problems are supported by growing conditions. If you get your light, airflow, temperature and humidity right you might not need many chemicals. That was the thrust of Dr Catings presentation. Problems are a lot easier to prevent than to cure.

[smartie2000]

I don't like the idea of overuse of antibiotics. This can promote the development of resistant strains of bacteria or 'superbugs'. (This could apply with other pests too, I finally found a way to kill my mealie bugs because I got a resistant version of the insect)

[Connie Star]

Maybe we should start a thread about "Keepin our 'chids off drugs" Any ideas for a motto?
"Chids not Lids"
"Ivies not IVs"

I think I'm getting punchy

[johnblagg]

ok .....


I am not getting any indication that anyone has tried antibiotic or antifungal preperations really just that they are not happy with the idea of it in general....so whats your cures.

Connie is there any chance of getting the base that is used from such things without the meds ...say the one I mentioned that had several alcohols in it ?

does anyone think a base like that would be of any use?

[Hedge]

I wondered if applying the cream just caused a barrier which stopped the problem, rather than anything specific being absorbed - after all skincare products make lots of claims but scientists always say nothing can penetrate the dermis. Plant leaves have an outer layer which is to a more or less degree a waxy barrier, which is also to prevent ingress of extraneous matter. Perhaps by applying the cream you completed the barrier where it had previously been broken by some means or other?

[Jerry Delaney]

I'm with Ray and Ross on this. The best TREATMENT for bacterial rot (and some other problems) is the compost pile!! The best CURE is to change cultural conditions.

[orchids3]

Hey all - really recomend the post in "Pest and Diseases" about Tricoderma. Believe me its worth your time.

[johnblagg]

Originally Posted by Jerry Delaney

I'm with Ray and Ross on this. The best TREATMENT for bacterial rot (and some other problems) is the compost pile!! The best CURE is to change cultural conditions.

I agree on this somewhat it depends on how bad the condition is ...Virus burn em a small spot just started I try to stop it first and if it is getting out of hand toss em out is ok .....If it is a small spot and I can find something that will stop it I will stick with that.

so far the one I did mention did work both times on the small spots and I have not had a return so I will be using it again and see if it continues to have results.

[LinhT]

Originally Posted by johnblagg

ok .....


I am not getting any indication that anyone has tried antibiotic or antifungal preperations really just that they are not happy with the idea of it in general....so whats your cures.

Connie is there any chance of getting the base that is used from such things without the meds ...say the one I mentioned that had several alcohols in it ?

does anyone think a base like that would be of any use?

Petrolatum bases are easily found anywhere but from Ray's post, sounds like it in itself is not safe for plants.

If you're trying to find some kind of gel vehicle, which would be alcohol based, you 'd probably have to ask some compounding pharmacy to order it in for you.

If Lanolin is safe on plants, which is what Ray suggested, you can usually find that behind the pharmacy counter in some generic form. Otherwise it can be found in the 'Baby Needs' section of the store as a nipple cream called Lansinoh, which is 100% lanolin. Lanolin itself is suppose to impede bacterial growth.

[johnblagg]

actually was more interested In something simple that might containg some of the different alohols like is found in the water miscible base connie mentioned.

I know lanolin is fairly safe to use and actually have used minute amounts of lard or veg oil mixed with Iba as a base to hold it in place ....even on my chids when I first got them and they were pretty rootles to encourage new roots.

I actually was originally just curious whether anyone had ever used agricultural antibiotcs on orchids and if it was of any benifit.

I had used a cortisone type med on a couple of spots on mine and it seemed to help.In retrospect may have just been me bibg more carefull after that with the spraybottle in the later part of the day.

as everyone has been saying repeatedly cultural practices do indeed make a huge difference "Yes I do hear and I do listen .....I still wanted more info on this subject" Thank you all for such great input.