How to apply a systemic pesticide? Acephate?

[ramonypony]

I've had brown scale show up on several orchids this year and the natural methods I've been using have kept them under control but haven't eradicated them.

I'm looking at the acephate on First Rays but I've never used a systemic before. Do you put it in the plant's water? Does it work against spider mites?

[Orchid Whisperer]

Acephate is one systemic, Imidacloprid is another.

Ray can provide advice on using acephate.

I would apply either while plants are outdoors. If you mostly grow indoors, that may play some role in choosing the right chemical.

Acephate does not control mites, which are not insects. For information on choosing chemicals to control specific pests, look for information at the pesticides link at: Orchid Pests, Orchid Diseases

[ramonypony]

I just e-mailed Ray about it in case he doesn't see this, I tried yesterday and it said the e-mail was not valid- don't know what was up with that.

I don't actually have spider mites atm, but I'm starting to get into catasetums and I hear they're their most common pest so I'm thinking ahead.

[Orchid Whisperer]

Originally Posted by ramonypony

I just e-mailed Ray about it in case he doesn't see this, I tried yesterday and it said the e-mail was not valid- don't know what was up with that.

I don't actually have spider mites atm, but I'm starting to get into catasetums and I hear they're their most common pest so I'm thinking ahead.

Send Ray a private message through Orchidboard, I'm sure he will reply.

BTW, the systemics I use are the Imidacloprid based products sold at big-box stores like Lowe's, Home Depot, Walmart, etc. Many of the Bayer products also contain a miticide or fungicide. At the link I sent earlier, there are mixing instructions provided. I apply to plants with a pump sprayer or hand sprayer. For badly infested plants, unpot the plant first, clean as much scale, mealies, etc. off as you can see, using a soft toothbrush or other brush. When you are ready to repot, spray (outdoors) all parts of the plant (roots, leaves top and bottom, stems, everything). Spray the new bark or other growing medium before you repot. Spray leaves and stems again at intervals recommended on the package (usually weekly, for about a month).

If you do use acephate, those instructions may be different from what I just listed.

[Ray]

Email has gotten a response, but for others...

Systemic insecticides are to be mixed with water and applied by wetting all exposed plant surfaces and thoroughly drenching the potting medium. Repeated three times at approximately one-week intervals should do the trick.

One of the best ways to prevent mite infestations is to provide plenty of humidity.

Most commercial miticides are very expensive. Azadirachtin, the active ingredient in neem oil, works, but I am against the use of oils on orchids, especially thin-leaved ones like catasetums. I carry a concentrate called AzaMax, that is a lot less expensive, and not oil based, that is my "go to" for mites.

[Selmo]

you have to remember that systemics work by the plant up taking the chemical thougt their leaves, stems and roots, and transporting it though the entire plant. And the pest has to chew or suck the chemical out, so it takes awhile for it to show signs of working. contact insecticides work quicker, as pests come in contact with the chemical faster

[Leafmite]

I agree with Selmo. Systemics do take time to work. It is important to use the right concentrations and timetable and then to be patient.

I use a granular systemic with some of my non-orchids and my roses. It can take nearly a month, sometimes, before I see results but then it works for about eight weeks. Eight weeks after I apply the first application, if I am trying to prevent issues common with the plant, I will apply the systemic again to continue the protection.

With some of my edibles, I cannot use systemics so I have sprayed the plants with olive oil in the evenings and then giving the plants a warm, soapy bath in the morning. That has worked very well but it is quite a pain so I often have preferred to forgo the fruit or edible leaves and just use a systemic. I am planning to try Neem oil this year.