Update:
Fortunalty the ivermectin is in a solution that facilitates its dispersion
in water. Ivermectin by itself is a non polar compound and does not
disperse or dissolve in water. Merge cannot be used as a surfactant /
solvent mix because it causes the Ivomec injectible fluid to coagulate.
Perhaps it contains an incompatible adjuvunct or preservative agent.
As of yet the spray does not appear to be phytotoxic. I have sprayed a few
leaves with no measured ill effect on the plant yet. In a few more days, I
will try to spray the whole plant to test the effectiveness of the chemical
against the spider mites.
-Joe
"Widdups" wrote in message
...
Having found no newsgroups for ornamental plants, agriculture chemicals,
or
house plants, I hope someone here can provide some advice. I have a few
houseplants (Brugmansia hybrids) under attack from spider mites. The best
treatment I have found for spider mites is a miticide called Avid.
However,
Avid is only sold in large quantities for large amounts of money ($300 US
per container). But I note from reading the Lable and MSDS online
(something more people should do) that the active ingredient in Avid is
abamectin. When searching for abamectin on the internet, I find that it
is
chemically very similar to ivermectin, differing only by a double bond vs
single bond in one location. For a chemical diagram see
http://www.alanwood.net/pesticides/abamectin.html and
http://www.alanwood.net/pesticides/ivermectin.html Now ivermectin is
readily available in smaller quantities from the local veterinarian where
it
is used to control internal and external parasites in livestock. I use it
for pets too, a practice that is very effective against flea outbreaks,
but
off lable. So I plan on aquiring 1.5 ml of Ivomec injectible from my
vet,
adding an emusifier (likely a ml or 2 of the premium ag chemical
surfactant
blend Merge by BASF) and bringing the volume up to 1 litre with RO water.
This mixture will have an active ingredient level between the lable rates
given for Avid. I can then pour into hand sprayer and apply in accordance
with the Avid lable.
Any comments in regards to my idea would be greatly appreciated.
-Joe