Articles Written By Members and Associates

Scourge of my life - White fly!

During a telephone conversation. on a purely unrelated topic, we got round to talking things fuchsia as we usually do! I mentioned that I was plagued with white fly, as I am every year, and had just about given up; thinking that I knew all the theories - and had practised most, all to no avail - and I had got to the stage of being prepared to live with the problem. Just when you think that you have heard and dispensed most of the advice going then you learn something new! I feel that he will not mind me relaying what he told me.

1. When spraying in the spring ensure that your greenhouse is about 60 degrees Fahrenheit so that the fly is active.

2. When spraying ensure that you set your nozzle to mist spray; anything stronger and the droplets form together and run off the underside of the leaf. thus wasting spray, Remember always to spray under the leaves.

3. Always change your insecticide alternating each spray. Start with 'Symbol 2', then alternate with Murphy's Systemic'. Spray every four days over a 12 day period.

4. Add a feed strength dose of Maxicrop to the mix. This, when taken up by the plant, destroys the feeding habits of the white fly and also does the foliage good.

5. Never use washing up liquid with insecticide as they counteract each other

6. If the initial infestation is bad, take the affected plants out of the greenhouse and close the door. Invert the plant and using a strong jet spray on the hose pipe wash ALL the undersides of the leaves. Stand the plants outside until they are dry and all trace of the pests has gone.

7. Never use an old pesticide mix as it soon looses its vigour. Always use a fresh mix.

Referring to item 4, when I was exhibiting plants regularly, I used to add Maxicrop on a monthly basis throughout the season to my feeding programme to improve the quality of foliage. White fly were never such a great problem.

Please remember when using sprays: ALWAYS follow the instructions on the product

First published in the 2000 Year book