About James Shellenback Expertise I can answer all questions on Asian Cycad Scale and Aphid infestation.
Crop and yield enhancement techniques.
Experience I have owned a landscape company for 13 years and have studied insects and pathogens as well as Nematodes for 3 years. I was instrumental in the development of a crop enhancer for food commodities and ornamentals.
Organizations Rare Fruit Councel Brevard County
Publications Atomic Grow on Google......www.highyieldindustries.com
Education/Credentials Brevard Community College, Edison College, USF. Associates Degree.
Awards and Honors West Melbourne Beautification Award.
Past/Present Clients Currently some of my clients range from Crowleys Nursery to John Deere Landscapes to Pope Farms in Belle Glade FL.
Question I have 350 fall mums in our greenhouse that I planted into 8" pans from cuttings on 05/19/09. I've seen some thrips, but am keeping them under control with Conserve. Now several varieties have browning around the leaf edge. Not just the leaves on the bottom, but the top as well. I realize this could be many things; too much water, too little water, mineral deficiency, etc. I can tell you that I water pot-to-pot (not overhead), keeping them moist but not soaked, and I fertilize every few days. They are also treated with Medallion every 20 days. This is only my 4th year growing mums. The first 2 years I had no pests, no diseases, they turned out huge and gorgeous! Last year was my first experience with thrips and the leaf-edge browning...I lost 3/4 of my crop. Since I'm already seeing the same issues now as last year, I need to try and solve this problem fast. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!
Answer Ok good information Jen. Mums are beautiful I have a couple Iam managing for my wife. The browning may be from the conserve or Medallion. These products are fantastic at controlling the insects but do nothing for the health of the plants which is where the true problem lies. Each time the pesticides are applied there is a destructive effect to the plant cells. I would try to go with an all natural product called Atomic Grow. I have used it on my wifes plants and it works good. I have used it on Thrips, aphids, sooty mold, ants, leaf miner etc.. It also stimulates the plants as it enters through the stomata. Each leaf will then produce more sucrose resulting in more blooms better root systems etc. I think it works on Nematodes too but Ive never tested.
