Garden & Greenhouse April 2018 Issue | Page 36

S i LICIUM the mode of action between bouts of infestation is the best way to ensure maximum effectiveness and prevent the development of resistance. ◆ ◆ Follow the label directions explicitly in terms of the concentration to use, the frequency of appli- cation and the period between those applications. Pure,Concentrated Fast Absorbing Mono-Sillcic Acid SILICIUM is the perfect additive that can be used in combination with your preferred base nutrient. SILICIUM stimulates the uptake of nutrients giving the plant extra energy and resulting in more dry weight. Because the plants receive more energy, SILICIUM works great in combina- tion with inter canopy light. SILICIUM is a concentrated product and a small dos- age of 3 ml per 5 gallons of water is enough for large visible effects.Containes • Soluble potash • Increases the photosynthesis and the water-use efficiency. • Increases disease resistance and the quality of the seeds and it activate enzymes and control their reaction rates. • Boron • Enhances Calcium uptake and stimulates the production of plant fibers. Boron is essential for seed and cell wall forma- tion • Molybdenum -Essential to convert inorganic phosphates to organic forms in the plant. It also takes care that Nitrogen is moved from lower to upper leaves www.ncwgs.com Ph: 866-599-4404 36 One of the most common issues that folks have with pesticide use is that of improper treatment: ◆ ◆ Too weak of a concentration seems obvious, in that it simply won’t kill the pests. ◆ ◆ Too strong of a mix concentration can also be bad, as not only might it be damaging to the plants, in some cases it will negatively affect the solubility of the active ingredient, rendering it less effective. ◆ ◆ Most pesticides do not kill insects in all stages of their maturity – egg, larva, and pupa, adult – so while a single treatment might kill, for example, all of the adults present, there are more critters waiting to mature and take their places devouring our plants. Insecticide labels recommend repeat- ing the treatment – usually two or three times – so be sure to do just that. ◆ ◆ The time period between treatments is depen- dent on both the pesticide and the life cycle of the pest. If the chemical has extended residual action, the time period between treatments may be longer. If it doesn’t, such as is the case with home remedies concocted from soaps and alco- hols, more frequent treatments will be necessary. Likewise, pests with short life cycles will need more frequent treatments to avoid missing the maturation and reproduction of an entire genera- tion. Failure to comply with any of these guidelines can fail to control the pests and may lead to the de- velopment of resistant strains that are even harder to eradicate. GG Ray Barkalow has been growing orchids for over 45 years, and owns First Rays, which offers horticultural products to the hobby grower. He may be contacted at raybark@ firstrays.com and you can visit his website at FirstRays.com. www.GardenandGreenhouse.net April 2018