Issue 36
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Table of Contents:
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1. Diseases and their control
(The following has been taken from my book on "Big Dollars
Growing Gourmet Salad Greens" which can be found at:
Carelessness opens the door to big losses. Knowing there are
pitfalls let's re-consider the conditions favorable for disease.
First there must be a favorable environment. Second a viable
pathogen must be present. And third there must be a susceptible
plant, one, which genetically cannot resist invasion. If any one
of these three is absent disease cannot occur.
DIAGNOSIS OF THE DISEASE IS OF PARAMOUNT IMPORTANCE! Don't assume
a symptom, on a plant is caused by a disease. It could be an insect
infestation. Or a nutrient problem. An accurate diagnosis is
needed. Most of you will in time learn the symptoms of the various
diseases. Meanwhile if you don't know don't be afraid to ask your
nearest university or county extension agent. That's what they're
there for.
So what do you have to do? The growing environment must be correct
for the plants you're growing. Watering and feeding must be done
in such a way, which minimizes getting leaves or foliage excessively
wet, especially toward evening. The water must be of the correct pH
and pathogen free.
You must start with healthy seed, preferably those cultivars, which
are disease and insect resistant. These seeds must be pathogen free
and you should deal only with those providers who can furnish such
seed. Do not cut corners on the price of good seed. Pay the price.
It will be worth it.
Propagation must be conducted in a medium, which is pathogen free.
Always use a fresh medium, which has been sterilized. Transporting
seedlings from one area to another must be done with care. Damage
brought about by rough handling can only make matters worse.
When looking for symptoms examine all the facts before making a
decision. A lot of diseases can be avoided if you know your crop
and the cultivation it requires. The seed company which furnishes
you the seed will be happy to tell you the details. If something's
wrong perhaps you have the wrong growing conditions for that
particular crop. Often a magnifying glass will bring to light the
problem, like aphids for example.
Suppose you've found you've made a correct diagnosis? Your crop has
a disease. It doesn't have an insect infestation nor are
environmental conditions unfavorable. What do you do now? First ask
yourself can anything be done or should you wait and use
preventative measures for the next crop? Are just a few plants
involved? Will the disease spread? If not, take those few plants
outside and burn them. Did you find a virus infection? If so, you'll
probably not be able to save the plant - the disease is systemic
(It's inside the plant).
Do you think spraying will be worthwhile? If the crop is heavily
infected, spraying won't do much good. Diseases must be caught in
their early stages of development for you to gain effective control.
How about equipment? Do you have the proper kind to do the job?
Diseases do re-occur. Be prepared for them in the future.
(In a hydroponic system, some pathogens can last for years!) And
suppose you have more than one disease? Treat the one, which demands
immediate attention - like damping off of seedlings.
Keep in mind that vegetables are the easiest for disease control.
We are only talking here of what could happen and what to do about
it if it does. Generally if you follow good growing procedures your
disease problems will be at a minimum.
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2. Here and there
A. Use liquid carbon instead of CO2?
Bill Lerner has an intriguing idea about using liquid carbon
instead of CO2 for nutrient supplementation. Full details can be
seem at Bill lists some of the advantages for using liquid carbon instead of
CO2:
Mr Lerner's argument is quite persuasive, especially when he talks
about our going into outer space. Human beings couldn't breathe out
enough carbon dioxide to enable plants to grow efficiently. Liquid
carbon would then come into its own.
B. Trying to solve the rising salt problem in Western Australia.
In the latest issue of Practical Hydroponics and Greenhouses, Ann
Graham discusses how one operation fights the problem of salt rising
from underground sources and polluting well water. Full details
can be read for free at Seeking Saline Solutions. Go to:
http://www.hydroponics.com.au/back_issues/issue57.html
Ann Graham points out that "as governments and growers grapple with
salinity problems, spreading salt scalds and dead trees are
monuments to the sins of over-clearing, and that the idea of
establishing a 'set-and-forget' system is proving elusive where
ground water is the primary water source.
C. Nutrient Solution Dosers
Well, what are they? And how and why are they used? Step closer,
friend. If you want to be as successful at hydroponic growing as
the New Zealanders you need to learn about dosing your plants with
extra nutrient.
Michael Christian is just the man who can tell you in the Sept/Oct,
2001 issue of Growing Edge. More details about this magazine at:
He states that "NFT growers in New Zealand and Australia use
on-demand dosing as standard fare in their hydroponic operations.
Growers have learned over the past 25 years that automated on-demand
nutrient and pH controllers are essential to successful growing. Of
all the day-to-day and month-to-month variables a grower needs to
contend with, EC and pH control doesn't have to be one of them."
This means automation. And the sooner the better. Because as stated
above, you'll have enough on your hands without "baby sitting the
nutrient tank."
And while you're at it, subscribe to Growing Edge (at their web
site given above). Tell them I sent you. This magazine has so much
good material which you can use that I could never cover a
significant amount of what's given. I won't get anything out of your
decision but you certainly will.
D. Rots and spots and drop problems
Here's another good discussion from Growing Edge, this time by the
magazine's premier writer, Dr. Lynette Morgan. In this article she
tells how to prevent and then treat any problems which may occur
when your plant flowers and fruits. This article is in the same
issue as C above.
Here Dr. Morgan talks about blossom end rot; flower and fruit drop;
sun scald, blotch, spots, streaking and other coloration problems,
fruit splitting; fruit rots; botrytis and its control; bacterial
and fungal pathogens; insects such as mites, thrips, whitefly, aphids;
and even misshapen fruit.
What's the key to stopping all of this? Have a good eye. Learn to
spot problems before they go to far. Even top-notch commercial
operations have the occasional problem. The secret is not to
expect perfection but to gain a successful crop. One or two
imperfections in the beginning when corrected can still give you a
profitable season.
As Dr. Morgan states: "Just keep an eye open for anything out of the
ordinary - and act quickly if something strange happens."
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3. Interesting web sites you should visit
http://www.townsqr.com/snsaqua/page2.htm
S & S AQUA FARM may have what those of you who are interested in
aquaponics may be looking for. This outfit has been around for
quite awhile. I like the approach of raising tilapia and herbs as
well as other plants. What I particularly like is you don't have
to use expensive filters and filtering systems to grow both fish
and plants. You don't need anything else except a pea gravel media
and the proper bacteria to keep it all going.
If you're looking for a good way to start in this fascinating
business go check out this web site.
http://www.cyberscope.com/hydroponics/
DESIGN DYNAMICS has plans from which the individual can build his
own hydroponic unit from scratch. You use ordinary everyday
materials and can build units which range in size from small to
large, depending upon your needs.
http://www.homeharvest.com
HOME HARVEST GARDEN SUPPLY ONLINE is consumer friendly and has a
secure online catalog for organic, hydroponic, greenhouse,
container and indoor gardening supplies. Has shipped to
gardeners and hobby growers worldwide since 1988.
http://www.3rlighting.com
3 R LIGHTING sells indoor gardening equipment & supplies for
hydroponics & bioponics such as grow lights, hydroponic
nutrients, meters, & lamps for high intensity discharge
lighting (metal halide, high pressure sodium).
http://www.cropking.com
CROP KING is a premier designer of hydroponic greenhouses.
Not only does Crop King furnish the entire package but the
staff furnishes ongoing training, coupled with marketing
techniques. Plus the company stocks accessory items.
http://www.sundancesupply.com
SUNDANCE SUPPLY should be one of your first choices when it comes
to greenhouse buildings and supplies of all kinds. This would
cover greenhouses, ventilation, heating/cooling, shade cloth,
misting devices, plastic covers, and much more.
http://www.algy.com/herb/index.html
ALGY'S HERB PAGE is fascinating, particularly if you like discussion
groups on various topics, such as herbs in the greenhouse, in the
kitchen, even herbs for medicinal purposes.
http://gardennet.com/
GARDEN NET has it. Just about any kind of information relating to
plants or growing methods or fertilizers or equipment or...
Well, you get the idea. Almost an encyclopedia of information about
growing things and the tools needed to do the job. Interesting
features abound which are related to gardening and for those who
have a taste for gardening. Check it out.
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4. What's happening
A. For those who live in or near Long Beach, CA, and want a great
Thanksgiving Dinner replete with baby salad greens, the place to go
will be The Sky Room.
B. Interested in artificial diets for rearing insects? Check out
what Entomos has to offer at 4445 SW 35th Terrace, Suite 310,
Gainesville, FL. This company has just gained another patent on an
insect diet which if not available through the company can be most
likely found at a dealer near you.
Check first to see what insects the diet has been prepared for.
C. A new plant disease fighter called Serenade has been discovered
by AgraQuest of Davis, CA. Serenade is a biological fungicide which
controls bacterial and fungal diseases, molds such as powdery
mildew, fire and leaf/stem blights but is safe to use around
animals and beneficial insects.
This benefit gives you a double hammer whammy. You can use your
beneficial insects along with Serenade and control a host of pests.
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5. Think about it...
If a man is alone in the garden and speaks,
and there is no woman to hear him,
is he still wrong?
- Mike Garofalo
There's one good thing about snow, it makes your lawn
look as nice as your neighbor's.
- Clyde Moore Go to: CONTENTS PAGE...HOME PAGE...ORDERING INFORMATION bsaffell@mayhillpress.com...Last Update: 52008 copyright 1996 - 2008 by Hilmur Saffell WE HAVE THREE BOOKS THAT MAY BE OF INTEREST TO YOU.
They are as follows:
"How to Start on a Shoestring and Make a Profit with Hydroponics"
"Big Dollars Growing Gourmet Salad Greens"
"Beneficial Insects - How to Mass Rear and Make a Profit"
If you would like a copy or copies of your own,
CLICK HERE