I've just discovered azalea gall on some plants, so I've snipped off the
growths with secateurs.

It occurred to me that I might transmit the disease from plant to plant when
I use the same secateurs, so I assume I should disinfect them. What can I
use to disinfect them? Bleach? Boiling water? If I use a chemical, would
I be able to use the secateurs immediately or would I have to wait until
they're dry?

Thanks.

'Janic',

Jeyes Fluid would be ideal. Follow the instructions.

Regards,
Emrys Davies.




"Janice" wrote in message
...
I've just discovered azalea gall on some plants, so I've snipped off
the
growths with secateurs.

It occurred to me that I might transmit the disease from plant to
plant when
I use the same secateurs, so I assume I should disinfect them. What
can I
use to disinfect them? Bleach? Boiling water? If I use a chemical,
would
I be able to use the secateurs immediately or would I have to wait
until
they're dry?

Thanks.

".........Jeyes Fluid would be ideal. Follow the instructions............."

I'd rather use Bleach



--
David Hill
Abacus nurseries
www.abacus-nurseries.co.uk

Janice wrote:


I've just discovered azalea gall on some plants, so I've snipped off the
growths with secateurs.

It occurred to me that I might transmit the disease from plant to plant when
I use the same secateurs, so I assume I should disinfect them. What can I
use to disinfect them? Bleach? Boiling water? If I use a chemical, would
I be able to use the secateurs immediately or would I have to wait until
they're dry?

Thanks.

Bleach or any antiseptic spray for a quick wipe over..

Best to service and clean your secatuers about once a month/week
depending on use..

The way I was taught to clean was to strip down the tool, remove any
obvious loose dust/dirt then wash metallic parts in hot water and
washing up liquid. Use wire wool/brush to remove dried sap if necessary.

Then dry, sharpen blades, apply grease to moving joints and nuts/bolts
and apply a protectant such as WD40 to blades..

Then reassemble...


This assumes that you are not using 'disposable' snips of course;-)

That said you do need to know the nature of the disease.. Azealea gall
is fungal (Exobasidium vaccinii) so cleaning secateurs is good practice
in this case.
//
Jim