marksctm 2013 Grow Blog

[leverhead]

I think the white stuff is shed aphid skins. My Silver Rivers are all over my patch, they were replacement plants. Only one got aphids, it was right next to the Southern Beauties that got aphids. Two of my Bursa and a few Herzegovina got aphids about the same time. Everything else, including the Ozbas have been fine.

 

[Brown Thumb]

They look like Aphids to me
I have a few million to spare shipping N/C

 

[springheal]

They look like Aphids to me
I have a few million to spare shipping N/C

Lol, no thanks.

If the mass can't be removed easily, I guess the only way to rid them is to thoroughly wash the leaves at harvest!?! Even washing thoroughly is going to be a right pain to get rid of the buggers, dead or alive.

 

[marksctm]

They look like Aphids to me
I have a few million to spare shipping N/C

Thanks for the offer, but my population is big enough.
I sprayed for them again tonight, the tobacco too.

Lol, no thanks.

If the mass can't be removed easily, I guess the only way to rid them is to thoroughly wash the leaves at harvest!?! Even washing thoroughly is going to be a right pain to get rid of the buggers, dead or alive.

After their air cured, and I bring them back to case so I can handle them to put in the kiln, I just brush them off with a 5 inch paint brush, what don't fall off from handling the leaf up to time to kiln.

I sprayed and wiped and messed with them enough last year,
I'll try to kill what I can while they grow, but after air curing, their like dust in the wind.

 

[skychaser]

Try using Pyrethrum. I am surprised I never see anyone mention it. It's organic, and the only pesticide I have ever used. Haven't had to use any for 3 years now but I have used it on tomato horn worms, potato bugs and aphids in the past. Kills them all dead in seconds and hangs around until the rain or sprinklers washes it off. You can even use it on your garden veggies without worrying about poisoning yourself.

 

[marksctm]

Try using Pyrethrum. I am surprised I never see anyone mention it. It's organic, and the only pesticide I have ever used. Haven't had to use any for 3 years now but I have used it on tomato horn worms, potato bugs and aphids in the past. Kills them all dead in seconds and hangs around until the rain or sprinklers washes it off. You can even use it on your garden veggies without worrying about poisoning yourself.

Hey Thanks Sky,
I'v seen a lot of pest control company's start using it for roaches, but never thought using it on aphids.
First time I heard of it was on that critter control show on cable way back, with the guy who wore all the leather and spikes, he used it on a lot of different insects.

I Been wanting to ask you if that MCY is still MCY?

 

[skychaser]

I Been wanting to ask you if that MCY is still MCY?

Yup. That's what it is, no doubt. I wish I could say my seed is growing better, but yours and mine are identical. Out of a dozen plants, each row even has one runt plant compared to the rest. lol The rest are doing great. They have been among the best plants in the field so far this year. The only thing left to decide is if your seed has any better frost resistance than mine does. Being your seed originated from stock grown in Canada for several generations, I am hoping it out lasts mine when fall comes.
I am thinking about doing a frost resistance experiment on different varieties of seedlings next year. Been pondering on just how to do it. I always have volunteer tobaccos coming up in the spring, way before the last frosts. But tobacco seedlings can't take frost ?? hmmm Makes me wonder

Here's a few links on pyrethrum

Pyrethrum
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pyrethrum

WSDA listed. Pyrethrin spray for use on organic crops and ornamentals.
Flushes insects and mites from hiding and provides rapid knockdown and kill of more than 40 greenhouse and outdoor insect pests. Approved for use on over 200 fruits and vegetables and may be applied on day of harvest (12 hour REI). Treats 1/2-2 acres/quart.
http://www.johnnyseeds.com/p-7130-pyganic-og-qt-14.aspx

Pyrethrum is economically important as a natural source of insecticide. The flowers are pulverized and the active components called pyrethrins, contained in the seed cases, are extracted. Pyrethrins attack the nervous systems of all insects, and inhibit female mosquitoes from biting. When not present in amounts fatal to insects, they still appear to have an insect repellent effect. They are harmful to fish, but are far less toxic to mammals and birds than many synthetic insecticides and are non-persistent, being biodegradable and also breaking down easily on exposure to light.
http://www.johnnyseeds.com/c-291-pyrethrum.aspx

 

[leverhead]

Try using Pyrethrum. I am surprised I never see anyone mention it.

I guess I've spent too many years trying not to think about pesticides. Thanks for the tip, I'll have to add that to my arsenal.

 

[Jitterbugdude]

The problem with that is that it kills everything that it comes into contact with. I was in the garden this morning spraying soap and noticed a nice population of green lace wings and lady bugs. I wouldn't have that if I used a broad specrtum/contact pesticide. I do understand the need for strong chemicals sometimes, I just try to go as easy as possible on mother nature.

And speaking of "Organic" , a lot of organic people use Retenone as a pesticide. That stuff has some pretty strong links to Parkinson's Disease.. just like conventional pesticides.

 

[deluxestogie]

Do use caution, if you decide to apply Pyrethrin (pyrethrum). It is "organic" and considered relatively safe, but can cause problems if misused. It also will kill bees.

Oregon State University: http://npic.orst.edu/factsheets/pyrethrins.pdf
Cornell University: http://pmep.cce.cornell.edu/profiles/extoxnet/pyrethrins-ziram/pyrethrins-ext.html
Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pyrethrin

Permethrin (a synthetic pyrethrin) is applied to garments sold as "bug resistant."

If used properly, following the manufacturer's recommendations, pyrethrin is far less toxic than the widely used neonicotinoid and organophosphate insecticides. It's greatest hazard is when misused, or during the manufacturing/handling process.

Bob

 

[marksctm]

Part 1
Up to now, I'v only used soapy water, and I have seen 3 or 4 lady bugs out of the billions of aphids.
Not intending to offend anyone, the only thing I care about not killing at this point are honey bees.
And I am passionate about that, to the point that even when cutting grass I'll avoid hitting them with mower, and making sure I don't step on them.
Not long ago, around here any way, you could look and look and be lucky if you even saw a bee.
From the parasitic mite varroa destructor, to CCD, (Colony Collapse Disorder), The poor bees need every break they can get.
So for now it's soapy water, So Sparrows and everything else, your safe for now.

This is what sparrows have done to most of the wrapper leaf, and these aren't the worse.


And I don't know whats up with the flies,


Here's a few pictures I took yesterday,

Silver River,


Florida Sumatra, sun grown,


Florida Sumatra, shade grown,


Silk Leaf,


Shirey,


Izmir,


Ohio Dutch,

 

[marksctm]

Part 2

Little Dutch,


Aztec,


I also have African Red, TN-90, I have to take pictures of.

 

[DGBAMA]

Nice. I did not think Izmir got that large.

 

[marksctm]

Nice. I did not think Izmir got that large.

Yeah, me ether.
I planted by height of the strain, taller in back, (North end). shorter in front. (South end).
When I should of factored in days to maturity.
The Izmir was one that blew by the others.
Sounded like a good plan this spring.
Oh well, live and learn.

 

[ne3go]

You have great plants there!
My Izmir also are the tallest plants of all my tobacco.

 

[Knucklehead]

I see those green flies on a lot of cow pies. I'm guessing they are eating the offal from some of the insects that had infested your plants.

 

[Jitterbugdude]

Are the flies on your plants with aphids? They might be sucking up the honeydew. Or they might just be there to piss you off!

 

[Mrs BeeKeeper]

the only thing I care about not killing at this point are honey bees.
And I am passionate about that, to the point that even when cutting grass I'll avoid hitting them with mower, and making sure I don't step on them.

I approve of this statement!

 

[marksctm]

Are the flies on your plants with aphids? They might be sucking up the honeydew. Or they might just be there to piss you off!

The honeydew is what I was thinking.
Then I thought what Knucks said could be it.
I think it's a combo of both.
And to piss me off.

 

[BigCasino]

great lookin plants ! I wish mine were that big oh well I gots my fingers crossed it all works out