Winter oil sprays help protect plants

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February 20, 2010

By David Cantrell The McAlester News-Capital Sat Feb 20, 2010, 07:27 AM CST

Many insects such as mites, gall-forming insects, aphids, etc., have an overwintering stage or hide out on plants during winter months in cracks and crevices of trunks and stems. On mild winter days, some of these insects may even become active. One way to control them and keep their numbers to a low roar this growing season is to spray them with horticultural oil during the winter months.

Horticulture oils are petroleum-based products containing certain fatty acids that form layers on plant parts to smother insects or provide a mechanical barrier to prevent damage. There are two kinds of oils: growing season (summer) and dormant.

Example products include:

• Sunspray (6E Plus) – Normal dormant use. Summer use on vegetables, greenhouse ornamentals, flower and foliage plants, some fruit and nut trees, some field crops, blueberries, grapes, olives and citrus.

• Ortho Volck Oil Spray – Dormant and summer use on citrus, fruit and shade trees, evergreens and some shrubs.

• Scalecide – Dormant and summer use on fruit and shade trees, ornamentals, evergreens, and small fruit. May be used indoors or outdoors.

“Dormant” refers to the time of year the application is made. Remember, as a general rule, that oils control insects, not plant diseases. Dormant oil should not be applied when temperature is below 40º Fahrenheit, and if there is a danger of freezing. Also, note that some dormant oil sprays should not be applied to evergreens or to certain deciduous tree species. Be sure to read and follow product label directions.

Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service offers its programs to all eligible persons regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, gender, age, disability or status as a veteran and is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

David Cantrell is the Extension Agriculture Educator for the Pittsburg County Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service. Contact him by phone at 423-4120, or e-mail david.cantrell@okstate.edu.

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