Antitranspirant as a mite and fungal spray

FreyaFL · February 24, 2013

I seem to have broad mites on my lone bell pepper plant. Besides ordering expensive miticides, which I don't want to do, in searching online I came across a site that said using an antitranspirant will get rid of these (and other egg/larval insects) very quickly and that it is biodegradeable and non-toxic. I ended up reading an article by the Arizona Cooperative Extension validating this (an article in their "least toxic pest management alternative" section) along with saying how it can help control powdery mildew and other fungal problems (powdery mildew kills all my cucurbits...it's sad.) So, has anyone used this stuff before? My pepper plant doesn't have any fruit atm, and probably won't if I can't get the broad mites under control. And, if you have used it, did it work well? What brand? Where did you buy it? Thanks!

FreyaFL

z_willus_d · May 5, 2013

Bump.

decherdt · May 5, 2013

I used Bonide Wilt Stop 2 years ago on a couple of tomato plants. It deformed the leaves, and though they survived there was no fruit. Have not used it again for mites. Trying it on test scions, and some vines that I "ceviched" the roots with overly strong vinegar water.

Heritage · May 5, 2013

I wouldn't consider using it. The insecticidal oils (Neem, Castor, etc.) have the same mode of action as an antitranspirant (proposed), but are formulated specifically for the purpose of insect control. Plus, the one time I used an antitranspirant (on flowers) I ruined an expensive sprayer.

Steve

February 24, 2013	#1
FreyaFL Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: SW FL Posts: 152	Antitranspirant as a mite and fungal spray I seem to have broad mites on my lone bell pepper plant. Besides ordering expensive miticides, which I don't want to do, in searching online I came across a site that said using an antitranspirant will get rid of these (and other egg/larval insects) very quickly and that it is biodegradeable and non-toxic. I ended up reading an article by the Arizona Cooperative Extension validating this (an article in their "least toxic pest management alternative" section) along with saying how it can help control powdery mildew and other fungal problems (powdery mildew kills all my cucurbits...it's sad.) So, has anyone used this stuff before? My pepper plant doesn't have any fruit atm, and probably won't if I can't get the broad mites under control. And, if you have used it, did it work well? What brand? Where did you buy it? Thanks! FreyaFL

May 5, 2013	#2
z_willus_d Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Eastern Suburb of Sacramento, CA Posts: 1,313	Bump.

May 5, 2013	#3
decherdt Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Fort Worth, TX Posts: 329	I used Bonide Wilt Stop 2 years ago on a couple of tomato plants. It deformed the leaves, and though they survived there was no fruit. Have not used it again for mites. Trying it on test scions, and some vines that I "ceviched" the roots with overly strong vinegar water.

May 5, 2013	#4
Heritage Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: San Diego Posts: 1,255	I wouldn't consider using it. The insecticidal oils (Neem, Castor, etc.) have the same mode of action as an antitranspirant (proposed), but are formulated specifically for the purpose of insect control. Plus, the one time I used an antitranspirant (on flowers) I ruined an expensive sprayer. Steve