Recurring root mealybug problem.

sophiera

11 years ago

I am having a big headache with root mealybugs.

I have done the following:

Soaking the pot and potting medium in boiling hot water and maintain 65Cs for 1 hour

Washing the growing area down three times with hot water and detergent.

Watering the plant with diatomecous earth, and also mixing DE well above the 1 tablespoon/gallon ratio

Soaked the pots in water mixed with bleach for two days.

Stopped growing ALL plants for a few months before resuming growing.

And yet, the bloody bugs still return and destroy my plants. Why? How? I've used every trick the internet supplied me.

At where I am, there's no access to the special genetically engineered fungi I've heard a few times, nor it is easy to get neem oil.

And yet, rootmealybug STI

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Comments (8)

sophiera
Original Author
11 years ago
For some reason the last part of the message was cut off.

The root mealybugs STILL continued to appear again and harass my plants. Why? How?
Kimmsr
11 years ago
Because it appears you have done all that you should your plants are being reinfected from some source. What is your soil source? Have you sterilized the soil before planting in it?
Bleach is a good disinfectant but would not do much to help with root mealybug.

Here is a link that might be useful: About root mealybug
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I personally would use the systemic/imidacloprid. I don’t use it a lot and pretty much use it as a last resort type of thing. You’ve got root mealies on a bunch of plants, so imo that’s the best choice. I’ve always used it as the directions instructed, but don’t over do it, do the exact measurements because when I first used it I thought I would add a little more to the the mixture, more the merrier right? No, I ended burning the plant. I’ve never had issues with the ratio that’s in the directions. Once the mealies are gone replace the pots with new fresh soil and scrub those pots clean. Go over all the plants and if you find any hanger oners you do the rubbing alcohol treatment. Let the plant/roots dry in a safe spot for a few days, and repeat if necessary. Goodluck🙂. Edit: I read your post wrong, so you don’t have anymore Bayer 3 and 1?
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sophiera
Original Author
11 years ago
I sterilized the soil with hot water, but I guess that's not good enough. I wanted to bake my soil, but my family wouldn't allow it since they have no clue what kind of smell it'll produce.

The soil source came from my own compost. The problem traced back to my very first plant 10 years ago, but I didn't realise it's a pest until the last 3-4 years.

I hear DE doesn't work when it's wet. It'll be nice to get a confirmation on this issue.
sophiera
Original Author
11 years ago
My main concern right now is the fate of my three uninfected pots, or at least they appear to be uninfected. It's a rosemary, a pair of bird's eye chili and a lilac tassleflower.
ken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5
11 years ago
The soil source came from my own compost.

==>> soil is mother earth..

it is not really engineered for using in pots ...

one uses media in pots ...

sterilize your media .. when the family is NOT there.. lol .. i used a very large tin foil pan .. covered with aluminum foil.. with a few holes poked in it ... and there is very little smell ... other than damp earthiness.. which i like ... who cares about the family ...

i have also done smaller batches in the microwave ....

see link

if possible.. i would suggest you try to get some actual potting media ... if that is possible in Malaysia ... take some new cuttings .. and start from scratch ... and if you need to save old plants.. they need to be completely isolated from the new stock ...

i am presuming this is an outdoor project ... correct????

ken

Here is a link that might be useful: link
sophiera
Original Author
11 years ago
They are mainly potting material, plus compost and some bit of soil from a long time back. Changing the potting won't help if they lurk somewhere in the corner...
Kimmsr
11 years ago
Pouring hot water over soils, commercial potting soils or your own mix, seldom will raise the temperature of that soil high enough, long enough, to kill any insect pests. Boiling water poured over soil less then 2 inches thick might be, but the temperature of the soil needs to get over 160 degrees.
ken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5
11 years ago
i guess i am suggesting that they are IN YOUR COMPOST ...

so even if you are using a sterilized media.. you keep adding the problem back in by adding homegrown.. non-sterilized compost ...

why does your media need compost... this isnt along the lines.. of.. my children need to be fed .. so i am adding compost??? .. if so.. then you might be killing them with too much love ...

either use media ... or use compost.. but if you are repeatedly getting the same problem.. well.. you cant do w/o media.. so get rid of the compost ... it seems to be the only thing.. that you repeat.. which is leading to repeating the problem ...

the same holds true about what kim said as to temps .. as to whether your compost pile.. is actually properly composting whatever you throw in it.. composting.. is not just about stuff rotting.. there are attendant temperatures that need to be achieved .. for a compost pile to properly compost the material ...

ken

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Recurring root mealybug problem.

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sophiera
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Kimmsr

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Recurring root mealybug problem.

Comments (8)

sophieraOriginal Author

Kimmsr

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sophieraOriginal Author

sophieraOriginal Author

ken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5

sophieraOriginal Author

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ken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5

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sophiera
Original Author

sophiera
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sophiera
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sophiera
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