Cornell Formula

19 years ago

I am trying to find the Cornell Formula. I've been finding variations of it, including the one posted here:

Cornell Formula FAQ

http://faq.gardenweb.com/faq/lists/rosesorg/2002060555024255.html

Others I've seen include:

To 1 gallon of water, mix the following ingredients:

1 tablespoon baking soda

1 tablespoon horticultural oil

1 or 2 drops dishwashing liquid

To 1 gallon of water, mix the following ingredients:

1 tablespoon mild liquid dish soap

1 tablespoon baking soda

1 tablespoon fish emulsion

I've seen other variations that include vinegar.

Is there one "cornell" formula?

Here is a link that might be useful: Modified Cornell Formula

Featured Answer

Field

19 years ago

There are all sorts of personal modifications, but the original formula, as published in research reports by Cornell University, translates to 2 tablespoons of ultralight horticultural oil (Sunspray oil is the brand they used) and 4 teaspoons (one heaping tablespoon) of Arm & Hammer baking soda in a gallon of water.

Originally, up to a tablespoon of liquid dishwashing soap was added in order to emulsify the oil in the case that the mixture couldn't be continuously agitated while spraying. That isn't necessary with current versions of most ultralight horticultural oils because they now contain an emulsifying agent (see the label).

Ron Jorgenson, a commercial grower in East Texas, later added a tablespoon of fish oil/seaweed emulsion, a few drops of Superthrive (a plant vitamin mix), and any necessary Bt soluion, terming the mixture the "Modified Cornell formula." Amateur rosarians have done all sorts of other things to the Cornell formula. Some may be good; some are bad.

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Comments (10)

livetogarden
Original Author
19 years ago
Thank you very much for the explanation.
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henry_kuska
19 years ago
Any "modification" adding vinegar appears to be counter productive as the acid (vinegar) will just react with the base (baking soda) leaving a more dilute solution of which ever was added in excess.
Kimmsr
19 years ago
From Mike Mcgrath at WHYY website;
The Cornell Formula.
Â In one gallon of water, mix and repeatedly shake:
Â 1 tablespoon baking soda
Â 2 drops dishwashing liquid or insecticidal soap
Â 1 tablespoon oil. You can use vegetable oil, but Âhorticultural oilÂ will work better, especially one of the new lighter-weight "summer oils". (Cowboy Gardeners: Do NOT use motor oil or WD-40 or any other such foolish thing.)
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dave_23y
18 years ago
I found an interesting article today on Yahoo news regarding the Cornell Formula. It kind of explains how it orginated. It seems that horticultural oil was dismissed early on in the research done at Cornell because of some "negative characteristics". It does not say what those were though.

Here is a link that might be useful: Cornell Formula article on yahoo
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steveandjoy
18 years ago
what is the Cornell formula used for? Is it eradication of bugs?

Joy
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diane_nj 6b/7a
18 years ago
Joy, it is used as a fungicide.
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sengyan
18 years ago
The original Cornell Formula is now a commercial product. Here is the link for the original Cornell Formula.

Sengyan

http://www.hiagritech.com/pressreleases.htm
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fwmosher
12 years ago
If you want to grow HT Roses and Climbers,one must spray! This formula is for mildew,but what about aphids,blackspot and rose slugs(midges)? I incorporate Safer's BTK or equivalent, (a natural Insecticide against midges-the green grubs which will eat your roses to the ground))into this spray along with some dish soap, and a little bit of horticultural sulphur, and cover all bases with one spray! The best I know of that works.
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patrad
12 years ago
I thought this formula was for both insects, mildew and black spot. I've started using it for black spot so I hope so! I would think the hort oil takes care of the insects as well, no?
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Cornell Formula

Field

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Cornell Formula

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livetogardenOriginal Author

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livetogarden
Original Author