Galanthus January 2011

[David Nicholson]

Steve I'll count mine tomorrow.

Yesterday I sprayed all of mine that are above ground, have their leaves apart but are still in bud. Some were done last week. When the flowers are over I'll spray again. I use carbendazim.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carbendazim

[Pascal B]

Not sure about the UK but carbendazim could be bought under the name Bavistin in the Netherlands. It was available to gardeners but it is no longer allowed to be used I was told by the company I buy my pots, soil and other stuff from so they couldn't sell it anymore to me. This company mainly sells to the professional nurseries in and around the Aalsmeer area and I had to use Topsin-M (another systematic fungicide) as an alternative to combat Fusarium in Arisaema. In the UK generally the legislation is more strict than it is over here.

[steve owen]

Steve  - Which fungicide did you use? Have you found it effective in the past?

johnw - -1c, low last night -10c (coldest to date), rain and +6c by morning.

John

Like Mark I use the carbendazim I bought in the days when it could be obtained, but its very strong stuff and I've just got some Citrox (see the Unwins website) to try using.

Steve

[Gerard Oud]

There is a natural alternative its named SiO2 with the desinfectioncode. If someone is interested to try,it works and it costs very little and i can supply.

[Alan_b]

There is a natural alternative its named SiO2 with the desinfectioncode.

Gerard, do you mean SiO₂?  This is silicon dioxide or "silica".  It is also known as Quartz as a mineral or a glass.  Sand typically has a high silica content also.  I don't understand what you mean by "desinfectioncode".   

[Alan_b]

I've just got some Citrox (see the Unwins website) to try using.

Specifically http://www.unwins.co.uk/greenhouse-and-pot-disinfectant-citrox-pid1498.html

"Effective against a wide range of bacterial and fungal diseases Dilution can be used to wash bulbs, corms and tubers."

[Gerard Oud]

Its too complicated too explane here on the forum, but in general its SiO2 powder in several forms with a extra element. We use it when we wash the Lilliebulbs for export, this year 100 Miljone. It activates the bulb and makes it resistant against fungicide, after testing the washingwater no elements of fungus of whatso ever were found!
I do use 4 forms for my snowdrops and no chemicals at all! And it works.
You know that we have to downsize on using chemicals every year because of the environment. And at this moment its only available for big companys, but i can arrange that it is available for us.
There is a form that you can use against insects and virus too, but i have not tried these yet!

[Alan_b]

Gerard, I'd certainly be interested to try some of that.  For the last few years I have had a few snowdrops succumb to Stagonospora.  I haven't been able to do anything with the badly affected bulbs but nearby bulbs with traces of the mould can usually be saved by removing the affected parts.  I would like to be able to do better (without having to resort to old stock of withdrawn fungicides).   

[emma T]

Its too complicated too explane here on the forum, but in general its SiO2 powder in several forms with a extra element. We use it when we wash the Lilliebulbs for export, this year 100 Miljone. It activates the bulb and makes it resistant against fungicide, after testing the washingwater no elements of fungus of whatso ever were found!
I do use 4 forms for my snowdrops and no chemicals at all! And it works.
You know that we have to downsize on using chemicals every year because of the environment. And at this moment its only available for big companys, but i can arrange that it is available for us.
There is a form that you can use against insects and virus too, but i have not tried these yet!

I would be very interested to try that Gerard, the anti- insect form too. I could get hold of carbendazim ,i do have my spraying license. I do prefer the organic way, if possible. I do use Round up on the gravel paths.

[Mavers]

I would be interested to try your potion too Gerard especially as it is not dangerous to the environment.

Mike

[Mavers]

Alan & Steve, 'Citrox' really does seem interesting too.........

'A powerful concentrated organic citrus extract disinfectant for cleaning greenhouses, pots, staging, tools, seed trays, bird feeders and bird baths. Will not harm plant material so may also be used to disinfect water for washing cuttings, bulbs and corms. Pleasant smelling, safe and effective. Full instructions with each pack.
Use all round the greenhouse, potting-shed and garden
Clean pots, seed trays, capillary matting, staging and tools
Effective against a wide range of bacterial and fungal diseases
Dilute Citrox can be used to wash bulbs, corms and tubers
Effective on pond accessories and bird tables
Special Note - Can be added to water butts to keep water sweet and free from disease (dilute 25ml to 100 litres of water)'

[Alan_b]

Yes, I agree about Citrox and was motivated to order some in the large size obtainable here http://www.gardening-naturally.com/acatalog/Citrox.html .  My reasoning was that it would be a useful "safe" disinfectant, even if it does nothing for snowdrops.  My thanks to Steve Owen for bringing this product to my attention. 

[Mavers]

Yes Thanks Steve

[mark smyth]

It could be good for when buying discounted bulbs at the end of bulb time at garden centres. Very often they have some mould on their tunics

[Jo]

We've had two days of beautiful sunshine and its brought on quite a few snowdrops.  Trumps and David Baker are both fully out now, in pots.  They have spent the winter in a sand plunge with no overhead protection.

Side by side I definately prefer Trumps by miles.  David Baker is showing the aberrant outers that Atkinsii gets.