Topsin M 70%

[balagan]

After searching high and low in the UAE for a fungicide, I came across a bag of Topsin M in the local plant souk. Writing is all in arabic but from the pics on the bag, and from what have just briefly read this stuff looks nasty.

Has anyone any experience of using it on orchids?

Apart from getting dressed up like I'm about to enter a nuclear core, does anyone have any other tips on the safest way or should I arrange to dispose of the bag in the nearest toxic waste dump?

[fred]

I hope you get some answers because I have never heard of that stuff

[balagan]

It is otherwise known as Thiophanate-Methyl systemic fungicide.

[tansyflower]

Anything that is highly toxic I avoid.

A lot of fungi can be killed with a small daily dose of sunlight (early morning usually) and good airflow.

If you can't get fungicides through nurseries over there, there may be alternatives, such as stuff you can buy from the chemists??? or normal household remedies??

Do a bit of net research into natural fungicides suitable for orchids or plants in general.

[berniep]

G'Day Balagan

A useful site to read may be http://www.epa.gov/oppsrrd1/REDs/tm_red.pdf
especially the bit about liver and thyroid problems.

Cheers
Bernie

[balagan]

Thanks for the info.

Talked to one of the plant nursery managers at work and he said they use Topsin to combat fungus and in particular Fusarium. He recommended 1g per litre and after putting on my PPE I dosed some of my plants last night.

Just have to wait and see if they respond.

Also read that Topsin is used to stimulate growth in some in vitro orchids. It doesn't half pong though.