Ask Experts Questions for FREE Help !
Ask
    Glissando88's Avatar
    Glissando88 Posts: 2, Reputation: 1
    New Member
     
    #1

    Nov 11, 2012, 06:34 PM
    Needed: entomologist to consult for African violet growers forum. Any help appreciate
    I'm a member of an African violet online forum. Several of our members are finding different types presumed to be mites on our plants. Knowing there are virtually dozens or more types of mites we are uncertain about treatment options for our plants. It would be WONDERFUL to have an entomologist available now and then to view some pictures/videos taken with digital microscopes and give us a definitive answer about the bugs we're seeing and perhaps insight on their prevention. If entomology isn't the proper section for this inquiry please advise. Thanks so much for considering this request!
    gnahcd's Avatar
    gnahcd Posts: 215, Reputation: 39
    Full Member
     
    #2

    Nov 13, 2012, 12:28 AM
    It seems that mites are a common problem in african violets and there are a lot of farmers/hobbyists growing african violets. Internet sites point to three major mite pests of african violets - cyclamen mites, broad mites, and spider mites. I found many websites intended for the professional farmer, and some appear to be out of date, or regional, so it was hard to find a good answer.

    I suggest a gardener try insecticidal soap, neem oil, or sulfur. Farmers use Avid (abamectin). Perhaps quarantine the infested pots and treat a test sample first. You might have to throw out infested plants. Careful about leaf burn, plants should be well watered, and spray on cool days. It is best to select a pesticide that specifically controls "mites" on "African violets" or at least on "houseplants." Always use pesticides according to the label directions.

    Cyclamen mites and broad mites are very small and different from spider mites and probably hard to kill. Cyclamen mites feed in the plant crown, stunting new growth. Broad mites often make the leaf surface, scabby. Isolate infested plants and be careful while handling them so you do not accidentally transfer mites from one plant to another.

    Here are some website I found. The Missouri BotGdn site is good for ID. Don't think that Kelthane is used much anymore, at least not in Calif.

    Caring for African Violets
    http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/v...s/insects.html
    HGIC 2250 African Violet Diseases & Insect Pests : Extension : Clemson University : South Carolina
    Missouri Bot Gdn Cyclamen and broad mites
    http://titanarum.uconn.edu/msds/floramite_label.pdf
    http://www.syngentaprofessionalprodu...96AL6A0904.pdf
    http://www.saferbrand.com/store/garden-care/5110
    http://web.pppmb.cals.cornell.edu/re...mfs/08neem.php
    Glissando88's Avatar
    Glissando88 Posts: 2, Reputation: 1
    New Member
     
    #3

    Nov 25, 2012, 11:44 AM
    Thank you! I much appreciate your research and the links provided.

Not your question? Ask your question View similar questions

 

Question Tools Search this Question
Search this Question:

Advanced Search


Check out some similar questions!

How to create a forum ? A forum to charge users before they enter the forum? [ 4 Answers ]

Allot of users do that the admins of the forum how do they do that I want to start my own forum so users can register to my forum and pay a fee

I have bought African products .Inputs needed! [ 3 Answers ]

Hi.. Firstly I have used mono.. didn't work.. although I guess its mixed up and crap.. I have used Hq since sometime.. and for lighter skinned asians it does NO GOOD.. it just gives you a dirty yellow complexion and darker skin people tend to be happier with it because it gives them a lighter...

Is african violet potting soil acidic enough for azaleas? [ 4 Answers ]

Is miracle-gro african violet potting soil acidic enough for azaleas or do I need to add something else? The lable says the soil is ~5-6 ph. My other options are miracle gro potting soil, vermiculite, MG moisture control potting soil and MG seed starter mix. Or I could buy bonsai kodama soil...

Skin lightner for African/African American/Black people? [ 46 Answers ]

Ok I am fairly new on this site and I am having a hard time figuring out what race is everyone. I am not trying to racist or anything. What works on other races doesn't work on black people and vice versa... With that being said... Hi, Im Amina. I was a mid brown color. Before going to college...


View more questions Search