systemic insecticide question

[boxerfan]

I have sprayed my orchids with a systemic insecticide, coating only the leaves (top and bottom). Since it is systemic does this mean the flowers, spike and roots benefit as well? Lisa

[PhalPal]

Boxerfan - if you sprayed your plant with the insecticide, it is not systemic. Systemic means the poison is taken up by the roots and enter the plants 'bloodstream' if you will. At this point anything that nibbbles the plant will ingest the poison in the process and die.

[Lucinda Brown]

Sorry,phalpal,but I disagree.Ortho makes a very good systemic that can be sprayed and they absorb it through their leaves,also.It contains acephate and I use it all the time for my orchids and outdoor beds,also.

[pikevi]

Hi,

I think both of you are right. Systemic just means that the chemical gets into the tissues. The method of introduction does not matter.

I wonder how the plant will get rid of it at the end

[palito]

however, i have read that there is little evidence that systemics are absorbed effectively through the leaf tissue for all orchids. It depends on the plant.

[PhalPal]

Phals with their thick waxy like leaves do not absorb much through their leaves. For this reason, I would not recommend a spray-on for phals.
We also need to be careful of what a company claims a product will do in the name of convenience.

[pikevi]

I agree with the use of chemicals on plants, especially when grown indoors.

The leaves have a thin layer of a protective coating (cuticle) over the outer layer of tissue(epidermis). Both are impermeable to water. Some chemicals can , perhaps , be absorbed through the pores(stomata) on the lower side of the leaves.

I am also not sure if these chemicals can be absorbed well through the root system, since many would require an 'active transport system' which involves enzymes and catalysts that should be present in the plant tissues to facilitate absorption. Unless the absorption is by osmosis.

I hope someone else can explain the process in detail.

Thanks

[boxerfan]

The label reads that it lasts 30 days, how does this work if it is not systemic. BTW, I'm talking about Bayer Advanced Rose and Flower insect spray. Lisa

[PhalPal]

boxerfan - What exactly are you trying to treat? It is possible that you do not even need a systemic and any type of spray-on will work. Most sprays work by contact killing and have a residual effect on the leaves. If you have something like scale, some types of these critters have a hard outer shell that resists sprays no matter what the label says. If you use a systemic that is absorbed by the roots, it will kill any type of nibbling insect and an exact diagnosis of what is eating your plant is not as important.

[boxerfan]

Phal Pal- My goal was death to Aphids at this particular time. Also I asked because a friend was looking for a good, long acting insecticide for her orchids. Thanks for the input, Lisa

[thomaii]

Boxerfan-- All plants take up many different elements through their stomata which are best accessed from the undersides of the leaves. Kelp is a very popular biweekly folier spray because of its drought aiding properties, it also contains 60 trace elements. If you would like to make a particular molecular bond that you are fond of systemic their are a few products that you can mix with up to aid you in this. one is Penetrator. These products essentially coax the plants stomata open more then usual and chelate the compound to break down in 1:30 hours (depending on what you are using its roughly 26 days). This technique is wonderful when coupled with pyrethrums. hope this helps

Thomaii, I'm so glad you mentioned that orchid leaves should be sprayed from the undersides. Many people don't know that, and mistakenly assume that the tops of the leaves should be sprayed, and then wonder why it didn't work.