Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SUNDAY, April 21, 1991 TAG: 9104220390
SECTION: HOMES PAGE: E-5 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: JOHN ARBOGAST
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
By pesticide I mean any material used to kill pests, which include insects, plant diseases and weeds.
Applications under the best conditions will result in greater control with a minimum amount of material. Application under adverse conditions may require higher rates or multiple treatments, thereby increasing the pesticide load in the environment.
Even though this may sound like preaching, there are two critical items that must be used here: common sense and the pesticide label. Four environmental or "site surroundings" factors that have an impact on pesticides are: wind, rainfall, temperature and relative humidity.
Most people realize that wind can cause spray droplets to drift to adjacent, non-treated areas, and to plants and people. Early morning and late afternoon are the times when the least amount of wind occurs. The dangers of drift can include damage to landscape plants from weed killers applied to the lawn, stream or pond poisoning and contamination of vegetable crops from pesticides intended only for ornamental, non-edible plants.
Rainfall within a few hours of application may reduce the effectiveness of insecticides and post-emergence weed killers. Those that are slowly absorbed, such as glyphosate, Roundup or Kleenup, are the most affected. If it rains within 24 hours after you have applied a pesticide, do not automatically re-apply. If an insecticide or fungicide spray dries thoroughly before rain starts, there may be enough residue on the plants to do the job. Watch the plants and read the label for re-application details.
Also, read the pesticide label for temperature and relative humidity warnings. Even though this information may be in small print, it is still critical.
Q: I have an indoor plant named Corn Plant (Dracaena Frangrens Massangenna, according to the tag). The plant has bloomed. I have two questions. I am concerned that the plant might be toxic to humans or other animals. In particular I note that the plant is oozing some liquid stuff. Mrs. N.C., Covington
A: Corn Plant is one of several species of Dracaenas used as reliable houseplants. Most Dracaena species aren't toxic. However, caution should be exercised. Most Dracaenas are usually kept as floor plants, therefore, accessible to children and pets. Because the plant may irritate the digestive tract or cause other symptoms when eaten, it should be moved to a higher location.
The liquid ooze may be a combination of sap and water coming from some plant opening(s) and is nothing to worry about. However, if the ooze has an odor, it may be a symptom of a bacterial infection that has started from a wound. If that is the case, prune the plant part affected.
The Corn Plant is a tough and tolerant of abuse. This plant does well in low light and low humidity. Pot Dracaenas in standard potting soil mix that is well-drained. Keep the soil evenly moist, but not soggy, when the plant is making active growth, but let the soil get slightly dry to the touch between waterings when no new leaves are being produced. Keep the leaves clean of dust. Fertilize once a month when actively growing with any soluble indoor plant fertilizer according to package directions when growing.
Got a question about your plants, garden, lawn, or insects? Write to Dear John, c/o the Roanoke Times & World-News, P. O. Box 2491, Roanoke, Va.
John Arbogast is the agriculture extension agent for Roanoke
by CNB