"MC" none wrote in message ...
hi all,

I am in Brisbane, Qld, Australia. I have recently used a homemade recipe
for
white oil and sprayed my 3 small (about 1m tall) citrus trees with it for
leaf-miner (I have since read that leaf-miners are generally dormant in
winter anyway, but oh well, not to worry). The ingredients where 1 cup
vegetable oil, 1.5 cups water and a teaspoon of dish-washing liquid.

Since spraying with the oil about 2 weeks ago, I have noticed a
considerable
amount of leaves have fallen from the trees and some small shoots on the
tahitian lime have shrivelled and 'burnt' after the application of the
spray?!

Understandable I am quite worried and have given all 3 trees a big drink
of
4-Vital and an Organic liquid fertiliser and a dressing of dynamic lifter.
Is this the best course of action now?

Has anyone heard of this leaf drop in conjunction with a white oil spray?
What more can I do for the trees?

Generally the only problems that can arise from a oil spray is spraying the
plant in the heat of the day, or in the morning of a hot day. Some brands of
spray oil (maybe all?) do warn not to spray when temps are likely to exceed
30degs cels. I assume the temp didn't get that high, or close, but if it did
it could possibly be the cause.
Only other problem is I have been told spraying both sides of all the leaves
can actually suffocate the leaves. I wasn't sure on this theory, but a few
weeks ago I checked my old tech notes, and it was a warning about it.
Other than those 2 possibilites, and with everything else being unchanged
(watering or lack of), then I have no idea.
Don't over water them, just keep the ground moist. Hopefully they will
recover.

Good luck

Thanks,
Mick