No reason to use Bonide systemic insect control, or anything else if things don’t get out of hand. Usually the little buggers attack weak azaleas that have had poor fertilization, improper watering or planted in sunny locations which can weaken the plants too. Pretty certain you have this covered!
Malathion will work, but not as well for Lace Bugs. I wouldn’t use Neem on new transplants either. I’ve had it burn leaves. Dunno if it was my mistake or the product.
“DSD Editorial comment: Malathion is kind of an atomic bomb environmentally, where as Bonide is more like a laser guided missle. Both have their uses. Please read SDS of these chemicals.
”
Best
DSD sends
A couple thoughts.
Malathion is an old line organophosphate pesticide, it used to be very effective, but particularly in California, insects have evolved resistance. It can still be effective if it has not been used for a few years in an area.
If you look at a pesticide label, you should see a mode of action group number. Pesticides with same mode of action numbers are based on same chemistry. Malathion is group 1b organophosphate, it disrupts insects nervous systems. Sevin is group 1a, carbamates, it acts on the same acetocholine receptors, I'm not clear if resistance to Malathion would also result in resistance to Sevin, but I think it's likely. So switching to Sevin when Malathion doesn't work just strengthens the resistance of your infestation, by ensuring insects with "super charged " acetocholine receptors systems survive. This wastes money, time and endangers your plant.
Neonicatinoids are group 4, this includes imidacloprid and it's many formulations from Bayer, Bonide, and others. Marathon is one more group 4 trade name.
Pyrethrins are in group 3, sodium channel modulators. Resistance to this group is high, but some of the synthetics are very effective even with genetic resistance to natural pyrethrins. Mavrik is one of the synthetics I have used, also Decathlon WP.
There's at least 21 mode of action groups, possibly more every year. You need to spend time reading.
1. Use each pesticide EXACTLY as labelled, including repeat application. For example if they say reapply every 14 days, then do so for at least one application AFTER you can no longer find the target insect or pest that triggered the decision to spray.
2. If the same pest reappears, seek out a pesticide from a different mode of action group, follow directions, treat with repeat applications until pest can not be found, then one final application.
3. The next time this same pest appears, try another mode of action pesticide. Ideally, you want to have 3 different mode of action pesticides available to cycle through in order to thwart development of resistance. If possible you don't use more than one or 2 in any 12 months period.
Note, there are some pesticides that are designed to be used in conjunction with others. Enstar AQ is not numbered, it is " IGR " for Insect Growth Regulator. When a tank mix of a Pyrethrin or Malathion for quick kill, and Enstar for long term disruption are blended together, it can be very effective. Enstar causes disruption in insects larvae maturation, they become sterile.
The whole area of using pesticides correctly is a science, please take time to read and follow directions.
Hummert International is a family owned and oriented distributor of horticultural products and services. We are committed to employing knowledgeable and ethically responsible individuals who provide unparalleled satisfaction to our global customers and keep us on the cutting edge of product...
www.hummert.com
