Insects and Pests

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Insects and Pests

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The golden leaf tips of Cymbidium sinense Chin Hua Shan "mountain of glowing gold" can be seen in contrast to the dark fragrant flowers

Insects and Pests

Pests need to be managed; often results can be obtained by using the least toxic treatments and a little patience. If you are not controlling pest through Good growing practices then you may have to rely on chemical pesticides. Remember that pesticides are poisonous. You should read and follow all of the manufacturers label directions before use.

Type of Pest	Prevention	Least Toxic	Chemical
Scale	Increased ventilation, maintain lower temperature. Use dendrobium as indicator of infestation	Insecticidal Soap, weekly until scale is not evident, physical removal of insect.	.%5 Malathion diluted 800 fold applied directly to leaves 2-3 times with 7-10 days between application
Aphids	Wash plants when transferring them from outdoors back to greenhouse, reduce nitrogen source in fertilizer	Insecticidal soap, Dormant oil, Neem oil	Pyrethrum, Malathion
Mites	Mites Increase humidity, reduce temperatures, remove dead leaves and plant debris	Dormant oil, insecticidal soap, sulfur dust, Neem oil	Pyrethrum
Mealy Bugs	Avoid over fertilizing, keep greenhouse clean	Alcohol on a cotton swabs Dormant oil, insecticidal soap

This two-part article appeared in the American Orchid Society Magazine "Orchids" in July 1999 and August 1999. All photographs are copyright of Charles Marden Fitch 1999 and cannot be used without permission of him or the author.

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