Back to Info Sheets	Diagnosing Sick Plants: Plant Health and Insecticides and Fungicides   To determine the problem with a sick plant :  * begin by examining the plant from the ground up. * examine the roots if possible. Examine the stem for leasions, soft or dark spots.  Examine the leaves for broken stems, spots, chewed areas, etc. * Examine growing conditions : air, light, water, etc.  * Note symptoms. * Bring a sample with you to the garden centre if needed. The sample should be from stem to leaf of the problem area. * Determine the insect or disease problem before spraying.   PESTICIDE TYPES :  SYSTEMIC :   Works inside the plant by absorbing the chemical. NON-SYSTEMIC : Works outside the plant, acts like a barrier.    PESTICIDE FORMS :    READY TO USE   DUSTS   CONCENTRATES   GRANULAR OR PELLETS   IS MORE BETTER ?  NO !  NO !  NO !   Always follow the directions exactly or you could harm your plants.  When mixing pesticides a mixture which is to strong or to weak may allow the insect to become resistant to the pesticide.   ALTERNATIVES TO CHEMICALS: * Pick insects off by hand. * Remove dead, diseased, and injured parts or whole plants. * Encourage birds and beneficial insects.  * Wash down with insecticidal soap. * Spray water on the leaves and undersides to dislodge insects.    Vol. 99 no. 9
© Murray's Garden and Horticultural Services Last updated: March 2, 2008