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Upa Creek, Mo

I just transplanted a couple 8 day old plants to the garden tonight. After what happened to Shazzy, is it okay to use contact insecticides as a drench (Orthomax - Bifenthrin) and a little sevin dust?

I had my planting area covered with a tarp the last week and there was a ton of insect activity when I pulled them up including many types of flies and nats. I just want to be proactive but not fry the plant at such a young age.

Thanks!

4/28/2011 10:13:38 PM

Western PA

Luke,
You should be fine doing a soil drench with your seedlings. I had some ant problems last spring and I was drenching the soil with bayer (systemic), and saw no problems with my plants. My plants were bigger, around 2-3 feet diameter still in hoop houses when I started drenching.
I am not sure if you would want to do a full strength drench or half dose on small seedlings.

Hopefully some more experienced growers will chime in.

One thing I know for sure is, to never spray anything while the plants are still in the hot houses.

4/30/2011 7:48:51 AM

Upa Creek, Mo

Thanks, I couldn't wait too long so I did a half dose drench with Bifethrin and have had no problems.

4/30/2011 11:11:23 AM