One more thing: what is the best source for Enstar?

Diana

"Diana Kulaga" wrote in message
.. .
Like Chris, I learned too. Thanks for the continued props for Enstar, Ray.
Though I don't have constant problems with our orchids, I think I might be
able to use that product to knock out the nasties that infest my gardenias
once and for all. And then the source would be gone altogether.

Can I mix it with Orthene? Or should it be used alone? I'm going to order
it.

Diana

"Ray B" wrote in message
...
Right on, Tennis.

Orthenex is a combo deal - insecticide, miticide, fungicide - while
orthene is just the insecticide (the active one in Orthenex - acephate).
While Orthenex may have the "advantage" of being a broad-spectrum
pesticide, I usually recommend the Orthene instead, as it's 1) far more
bang for the buck from a bug-killing perspective (70% acephate & higher
are commonly available, as opposed to the 4% in the original Orthenex),
and 2) water soluble, so there is no need for the potentially-damaging
hydrocarbons used to keep the other ingredients of Orthenex in liquid
form.

I also highly recommend the use of Enstar II, and insect growth
regulator. While stuff like Merit and Orthene kill on contact or with a
temporary residual systemic action, the IGR prevents all stages of the
insect from maturing, thereby preventing reproduction, which can really
help collapse a population.

--

Ray Barkalow - First Rays Orchids - www.firstrays.com
Plants, Supplies. Books, Artwork, and lots of Free Info!


"tenman" wrote in message
...
Chris Savas wrote:
In article om,
(Chris Savas) wrote:

Hi, all,

I have been using Orthenex in my general insect controll spraying. I
have been buying and using the 16 Fl oz size, but have run out. I have
looked in five different stores and can't find it.
So, what should I look for to use on my orchids (just over 100 plants)?
I have spotted a couple of plants that have some cottony scale. I
have used it because it is systemic.


Thanks.
Chris in Central Florida
(Remove not from the address to respond directly.)

..

Hi, again,

Today, I went to two hardware stores in search of Orthenex. At the
first place, I found a similar product mfg'd by the Ortho Group. I
then went to the second store and found the same 'new' item, but at $2
less than at the first place for a 16-oz bottle (liquid). The
recommended dosage is the same for both the Orthenex and this 'new'
item. For comparison, I have included the ingredients of the Orthenex
and of the 'new' product.

Orthenex Ortho Systemic
Protection from Systemic Insect Killer Controls
Insects, Diseases, Mites Insects & Mites

Active Ingredients Active Ingredients

Acephate 4.00% Acephate 8.00%
Triforine 3.25 - -
Fenbutatin-oxide 0.75 Fenbutatin-oxide 0.5
(Hexakis)
(Hexakis)
Other Ingredients 92.00 Other Ingredients 91.50

Unless anyone can say why I shouldn't use this product, I think I will
try it. I don't know what Triforine was suppose to do or why it no
longer is included.

Chris

Triforine is an antifungal. The 'other ingredients' would be mostly
petroleum distillates which means don't spray unless the plants are
going to be completely dry before the sun hits them or they'll burn like
under a magnifying glass.