February 14, 2010

Isopropyl alcohol
Alcohol is used to prevent infestation of bugs, mites and insects.
70% Isopropyl alcohol is rubbed on the leaves with a cotton swab, particularly the edges and the veins of the leaves. Do not use any other form of alcohol like methanol or alcohol drinks (ethanol) as they are absorbed by the leaves and hence could damage them.
If the orchid is heavily infested then this procedure has to be repeated weekly. Insects do not develop resitance to this form of treatment.

Alcohol & Soap
Mild liquid soap solution is mixed with isopropyl alcohol and sprayed on the leaves using a pump sprayer, mister etc. The soap should be mild, not to damage the plants.

Repotting
Repotting the plants from the infested media is a useful measure to eliminate pests and their eggs.

Buy healthy plants
The easiest way to infect your orchids is by the introduction of an infected one in to your garden. We (Sobha Orchids) usually purchase plants which has a 'Phytosanitary certificate' at the place of origin and place the plants in quarantine for upto 2 months before introducing them to other healthy plants.

Photo: Colmanara White Cat. Click here for details

Neem Oil & Mineral Oils
Horticultural oils like neem oil are safe for humans and plants and helps to reduce insect population if frequently applied. They are useful in early treatment in a small number of plants. They act by smothering the insects breathing pores.

Mechanical Removal
The insects, snails etc could be hand picked and removed in the fist instance. A gentle spray of water could remove some insects particularly mites.

Other Measures
a) Keep your green house clean b) Healthy plants do not get infected easily c) Adequate growing space has to be provided. Overcrowding of plants increases the chance of infection d) Check plants for infection or infestation at least once a week e) When you apply new products on plants apply only on a few as the first step. Do not experiment on many plants at a time f) Keep the orchids away from the sun light after application of oils or chemicals g) Heavily infected plants may need to be destroyed to prevent spread of the organisms.

Ref: Susan Jones, January 2005 issue of Orchids, The Bulletin of the American Orchid Society © American Orchid Society, www.aos.org