Expert: Sarracenia Northwest - 3/16/2010

Question
QUESTION: Hello! I recently ran into a pest problem on my nepenthes and sarracenia collection and I believe it is being caused by thrips. The plants also show signs of fungal growth on some of the leaves. My question is, what pesticide/insecticide can I use on my plants that will eliminate the problem with the least harm possible to the plants? I have concentrated Cypermethrin, which is a pyrethroid insecticide and I was wondering if I could use it at the recommended dilution. I have also heard Malathion a good choice which I have access to as well in garden centers nearby. Could I use the Cypermethrin insecticide or is Malathion a better choice. To me the best choice would be the one with the least disadvantages, preferably none at all.
Also, what should I use to take care of the fungal infection? I have been recommended cleary's 3666 (if i remember the name correctly), but I have not been able to find it anywhere. What active ingredients should I look for in a fungicide for it to be effective and safe for my plants?
Thank you very much, looking forward to your answer.
Rick

ANSWER: Hi Rick,

Fortunately, Nepenthes and Sarracenia are pretty tough, so if you follow label directions, all of the products you mentioned are probably going to be safe.  We've personally used Acephate (Orthene) and Imidacloprid (Bayer products) for insecticides.  Neem products also work, but are slower.

For fungicides I've heard other cp growers having good results with Cleary.  We use a sulfur based fungicide as a preventative, which is also very low tox.  If you need to get more agressive, I've had good luck with tebuconozole (Bayer products) and Chlorothonil (Daconil).  Neither has caused any damage to plants.  Neem is also fungicidal, but I've found some molds to be more resistant to it.  Bayer makes a product for roses that contains both the insecticide and fungicide.  We've used it on all of our Nepenthes successfully.

Good Growing!

Jeff Dallas
Sarracenia Northwest
http://www.cobraplant.com


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks a lot for the information, i really find your advice helpful when it comes to clearing up doubts. I have already treated my plants with cypermethrin, but I still see some sign of the insects. I will begin a regime of spraying my plants on a regular basis, at what interval do you consider it would be the most effective, one week, two week intervals? I have also thought of varying the products I use so the pests do not develop a resistance, i have found the clorothonil you mentioned, as well as malathion and cypermethrin, does this seem like a good idea?
Also, I found this polyvalent fungicide that comes either in powder or liquid form. The active ingredient is MANCOZEB... I haven't been able to find any resources on the Internet saying wether or not this ingredient would be safe for neps and sarracenia, any advice? Thank you for all your help and advice, looking forward to your answer once again.
Rick

Answer
Hi Rick,

As far as how often to spray, you need to refer back to your product label.  Insecticides vary by their period effectiveness, and I've not used cypermethrin personally.  Switching products along with using any non-chemical methods you can is always a good idea to decrease the chance of insect resistance.

I don't have any experience with the fungicide you mentioned, so I can't give you any useful information.  The best thing to look for is what kind of other plants mentioned might be sensitive, or if the label has any phytotoxicity warnings.  Generally, if it is safe for orchids, it will be safe on Nepenthes.

Good Growing!

Jeff Dallas
Sarracenia Northwest
http://www.cobraplant.com