One way to learn about sprays is to visit Extoxnet, a site maintained
cooperatively by five ag universities in the U.S. It's at
http://ace.orst.edu/info/extoxnet/ghindex.html It's a bookmarkable site,
IMO. Margaret L
Pauline Hamilton wrote:
Hi Pauline, how about coffee bun (N) and Sally Lunn (S)
> Anyway , thanks for the other information , it really has been interesting
> . I logged in to catch the end of the rotenone discussion - I wasn't sure
> whether it was organic or not , so I refused to use it while I was pregnant
> !!!
It's organic all right. However "organic" is not necessarily the same as
"environmentally safe" I think the usual two arguments for materials we
are learning to reject apply -:
1) it is too broad-spectrum in its action and
2) it is not so benign to humans as originally thought, as it has
recently been linked with Parkinsons Disease. (and if you have a
fishpond it is also a great way of getting rid of your pets)
> Yates have several organic sprays available for use in NZ - an organic
> weedkiller based on coconut oil derivatives , and a insecticide with chili
> and other ingredients . Has anyone used these? Are they as effective as
> they appear in the sales blurb ?
I am afraid I haven't yet caught up with these two actual products. When
I was a columnist for the Gardner Yates kept me regularly in the
picture, but now I have to rely on seeing their new stuff in the shops.
However, I have a new weedkiller bought recently from the Eco Shop in
Auckland called Interceptor. Unfortunately they don't furnish any
information about the formula, but I would not be surprised if it is
much the same or identical to the Yates one..
I have tried this out and it works well for annuals, but could take
several goes to dispose of perennials. They do recommend using it in
greater concentration for the latter, but this makes it very pricey.
Personally, I reckon I can get just as good results with neat cheap
vinegar from Woolies.
The chili preparation does interest me and I shall look out for it.
Several list members in the States have mentioned using chili and seem
to be pleased with the results .. I suspect it may be more of an
anti-feedent than an actual insecticide (Strong chili would put me off
too!!). Such preparations are much kinder to the environment than any
killer material and can do an effective job keeping the bugs off (which
is after all the object of the exercise).
Moira
--
Tony & Moira Ryan
Wainuiomata (near Wellington, capital city of New Zealand)
Interceptor is a Pine extract (Pinus radiata)
I avoid poisons of any description, personally.
Swani
Nelson
Aotearoa (NZ)
