Pest & Disease Control Concoctions

This is a routine that i have taken up when it comes to tree care. I tend to dilute the pesticides and fungicides unless i observe an infestation that over run the tree.

I complete this fortnightly and for the ease of my schedule. I do this in the evenings after 7pm on 1st of the month and 14th of the month. I love my trees but there is still a lot more to life then just trees.

To keep to this schedule, it is important that i inspect weekly (undersides of leaves, crotches, new growth), to stay in touch with the individual trees.

Prevention beats cure. Good air flow and proper watering reduce most issues.

• Neem oil spray (broad-spectrum insecticide + some fungicide; disrupts insect life cycle):
  1–2 teaspoons neem oil + ½–1 teaspoon mild dish detergent per liter of warm water.
  Or stronger: 1 tablespoon neem + 1 teaspoon soap per liter. Spray thoroughly (tops, bottoms, stems) in the evening. Unless there is an infestation; Repeat every 5–7 days for 3–4 applications. ***It is important to Avoid hot sun (leaf burn risk). Safe for all bonsai when diluted properly.

• Insecticidal soap: 1–2 tablespoons mild soap per liter water. Good for aphids, spider mites, mealybugs. Rinse after if desired (usually the next morning when the trees get watered down thoroughly).

• Horticultural / dormant oil (winter/early spring for overwintering eggs/scale): Follow product label (usually 1–2% solution). Apply when temperatures are above ~10°C / 50°F and no freeze is expected.

• Other: Strong water spray dislodges soft pests. Manual removal for small infestations ( i use a pick / satay stick). Lime sulfur (diluted) for fungal issues or trunk cleaning on some species (use with caution; avoid certain trees like ume).

The following is what i have bought and usually i get what is available.

Some of the different concoctions i have tried to rotate the different chemicals to prevent resistance by the various issues be it insects or fungus.

1. Mancozeb: Broad-spectrum protective fungicide for various fungal diseases.

2. Spirotetramat: Bidirectional systemic insecticide/acaricide for sucking pests (aphids, whiteflies, etc.).

3. Abamectin + Etoxazole: Effective acaricide that kills eggs, nymphs, and adults of mites.

4. Difenoconazole + Pyraclostrobin: Protective + curative fungicide mix for powdery mildew, anthracnose, leaf spots, etc.