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Please note: United Kingdom and European Community law it is
illegal to use any preparation as a garden spray, or treatment, that is not approved for such use. This information is for historical reference only and its inclusion here does not imply a recommendation for use.
Derris
Used as a pesticide for controlling etc. It is not selective so should only be used as a last resort. It is also harmful to fish so it should not be used by ponds.
Pyrethrum
This comes from the pyrethrum plant it is an effective pesticide against most
Insects, especially Aphids. It is not selective and can harm beneficial insects so should only be used as a last resort.
Organic fungicides
Bordeaux mixture
This was discovered in 1845, but not used as a fungicide until 1885 when it was found to control downy mildew. It is the most important preventative for potato blight and is made from copper sulphate and lime. Applied before the fungus spores settle on the leaves, the copper sulphate gradually releases small amounts of soluble copper which kills the germinating spores. It is equally effective in preventing blight attack on tomatoes outdoors.
Burgundy mixture
Substantially the same as Bordeaux mixture, but the lime is replaced by washing soda . It can be used as a prevention against mildew on roses and gooseberries by spraying in January.
Biological control
Biological control is using nature's the technique of using one organism to
combat another organism. Over the last ten years researchers have made
significant discoveries in this area of pest and disease control.
Encarsia formosa, this parasitic wasp was the first discovery and has been used by growers to control whitefly greenhouses. It can be obtained from the most reputable garden centres.
Phytoseulus persimilis, this is a predatory mite that is very effective against red spider mite.
Bacillus thuringiensis, this is a bacterium that attacks the digestive system of caterpillars and prevents them from feeding.
Nematodes, these microscopic worms enter certain pests through their skin, which then lay in their young inside the host, who then freed off the host. Nematodes are effective against slugs, snails and vine weevil.
Warning
Keep chemicals in a locked cupboard where children or your pets can not reach them.
Always keep the chemicals in their original containers. (this insures you know what they are and how to use them ) Avoid spraying beneficial insects. Spray only on windless days; preferably in the evening when beneficial insects are a sleep.
Never spray any open flowers, as this is where bees visit and they can be harmed.
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