How to use Bayer Systemic on my orchids?

[susiep]

I was wondering if those of you with experience using the Bayer Systemic on orchids could give me some advice on how to use it. I am growing outside and at the mercy of nature. That means very hot and rains every afternoon (hard rain). I have resisted using systemic treatment on my orchids, although I use it on my shrubbery for the same bugs (scale, mealies). It works quite well, however it can cause leaf yellowing and loss on hibiscus. I didn't want that to happen to my 'chids! I have too many plants now to control the pests by hand and I want to stop using so much Orthene. Any advice would be appreciated and please suggest a regimen for use, too.

[Ray]

You are aware that Orthene (acephate) is a systemic, aren't you? No matter, as it's a good idea to change insecticides periodically to avoid developing resistant insect strains.

1) Use a dosage appropriate for orchids. I don't know what product you're referring to, but Bayer has a lot of products with Merit (imidicloprid) in them, and the appropriate Merit dosage is about 0.010-0.015%. (I use a 1.47% imidicloprid formula at one ounce per gallon.)

2) Treat the plants early in the morning

3) Wet 100% of the exposed plant surface and
thoroughly soaking the potting medium and root ball.

4) Repeat that weekly for 3 or 4 treatments, and you should be rid of the critters.

[susiep]

Thanks for answering. I just use the Orthene in the spray can (too lazy to mix) and spot spray any bugs I see on the leaves, canes, or bulbs. I don't really spray the roots so I didn't think the plant was absorbing too much systemically. It is good stuff but very stinky and I am afraid I am poisoning myself with the overspray. I like the idea of killing only the sucking bugs. I use the Bayer on my hibiscus, ixora, and schaefalera (sp?) hedges for scale and mealies and it works great at preventing infestations. I just mix it up by the bucketful and pour it on the roots.

With the orchids do I soak the roots or spray them on plants like vandas?

Plants in bark mix and those clay ball things .. soak or spray?

Hit the leaves too? I don't want to lose any leaves or buds!

Everything is very well hydrated around here right now so it should be a good time to do this. I think the product I use is Bayer tree and shrub. Does it matter? Just make sure it is imicloprid 1.47% and dilute at 1 ounce per gallon of water, right?

[susiep]

Ok. I just got the Bayer. Any advice before I try it?

[(..._...)]

poo poo! I think I found mealies on my new den Nobile!!! ahhh... hmmm.. they may be dead though, since they cleaned the plant with alchol when I bought it....


I have never used bayer, but I would like to hear what others have to say.

Can I just use a soap mixture?

[Pippin]

I used Bayer 1.47 % formula (the one for trees and shrubs) and Merit 75 WP. I like both.

[orchids3]

You want the one with only ibicloprid (Merit) in it not the one with fertilizer added too!

[susiep]

Ok I used the 1.47% and diluted it 1 ounce in 1 gallon of water. I only used it on about 5-6 plants to try it out. If they don't turn yellow or drop buds then I will treat them all. Thanks for the advice.

Question: why not use the products with extra ingredients such as the Rose formula?

[orchids3]

I understand that commercial growers using Merit use a dose 75 times stronger than pouring the bottle directly on the plant.

[Oscarman]

Originally Posted by Pippin

I used Bayer 1.47 % formula (the one for trees and shrubs) and Merit 75 WP. I like both.

Pippin, can you tell me where you located the Bayer product in Canada please. Thx