On 27/02/2013 15:49, David.WE.Roberts wrote:
On Wed, 27 Feb 2013 14:00:40 +0000, Spider wrote:

On 27/02/2013 13:25, David.WE.Roberts wrote:
We have two lemon trees indoors by the bi-folds.

They are doing well apart from the aphids.

From recent Googling the biological controls are not available yet
this
year.

Spraying advice doesn't seem to include Citrus in the UK.

Any recommendations?
More importantly, anything NOT to use?

They can be considered ornamental at the moment because they are
showing no sign of flowering.

Cheers

Dave R



Bayer seem to have the answer:-

http://www.bayeradvanced.com/insects.../fruit-citrus-
vegetable-insect-control/questions-answers

I have never used this chemical, so this is not a recommendation, but
hope it helps.

Unfortunately it is not listed in this country.
The only real citrus-related product Bayer list is the Baby Bio citrus
food.

Presumably citrus growing in the UK is such a minority pastime that they
don't brand products for it.

Cheers

Dave R




Sorry, should have spotted that!

I haven't been able to find any other 'edibles-safe' systemic
insecticide. You could either try a contact insecticide or simply try
washing the aphids off with a mild detergent solution, as Chris
suggested. In truth, even if you just washed them off with plain water
you would drown them, making your plant safe and, indeed, you would be
safer, too. However, you would probably have to do this fairly
regularly to keep the plants clean.

--
Spider
from high ground in SE London
gardening on clay