SB Plant invigorator, does it work?

[Nick_G]

For the last few years I've used a rape seed oil based spray to combat mites. This has been effective but it's sticky and does cause a bit of black mould on some plants. Nothing terrible but a bit of a nuisance. Late last year I switched to SB Plant invigorator but I've noticed some mite damage on some Lophophoras this spring.

Has anyone used SB Plant invigorator for any length of time? How often do you apply it? How effective is bit?

[Terry S.]

I use SB a lot because there are not any satisfactory chemical controls for red spider mite available to the amateur. However, like you, I still do get a little bit of RSM damage. The first problem in using it is that it is contact only, so you have to spray the whole plant, which can be tricky in a big collection. Second, it does not kill the eggs and the cycle time for RSM in warm weather is quite short. So ideally I think the plants need to be sprayed with it almost every two weeks. Having a physical mode of action, resistance will not be a problem. There is a commercial concentrated form that would probably be the cheapest way of buying it.

[BarbusBarbus]

Hi Nick,

Yes, I’ve got some & do use it. I’ve never had it harm/mark plants & it does seem to make plants look ‘cleaner’ (not woolly ones!). It’s pleasant to use & doesn’t smell, etc. I guess like most sprays it has the potential to increase likelihood of sunburn, so I’ve always applied in the evening when plenty of time to dry. I apply sporadically without a set regime. It only has a physical mode of action so will kill most bugs that get coated in it, but it won’t harm eggs or get bugs deep in crevices/under pots, etc unless you are diligent about spraying these areas. I doubt also that it would clear root mealy or bugs living in the potting medium. As it kills by contact it would technically need repeated application in order to clear an infestation, but if you have eggs laying dormant for some time then that’s a lot of applications. It’s not particularly expensive & a bottle does seem to go a long way (maybe not if you have 5000 plants!). Personally I’d consider it a control not a cure. It does kill mealies however....I’ve tried gently lifting one onto a piece of paper & spraying it - death confirmed by microscope after 10mins! A

[juster]

I also use SB quite a lot. I started using it about 12 years ago when I used to grow quite a few fuchsias in a small greenhouse, they were very prone to RSM. I used to spray the whole lot once a week and it worked well, the plants completely recovered with no further damage. Of course, they grow much more quickly than cacti and succulents. Since those days I have also used it on cacti that seem prone to mites, mainly rebutias and allied genera. It works well but, as others have said, repeat spraying is necessary, I still aim for weekly sprays, not when it's sunny. For some reason I don't have the same success with my few lophophoras, I've actually thrown several away, but the mites persist. Definitely it's worth trying, get the bottle that you dilute yourself, not the ready made spray, it lasts ages.

[KarlR]

I don't know if SB is even available in Norway, but I finally caved a few years ago and imported some Avid and Floramite from the US. Not looked back since.

An old cactus book I have from Czechia recommends DDT as a cure-all

[Nick_G]

Thanks for your replies. I may go back to the Bug Clear fruit and veg, or at least alternate between that and the SB. The SB should clean the mould off nicely if any forms from using the Bug Clear. I'm assuming the SB contains a detergent or soap of some sort as the jug I mix it in is sparklingly clean now.

[NickHitchcock]

Would it be ok to use on Astrophytum myriostigma etc? They do have that suede like coat and not sure if it would mark it.

[Terry S.]

I am not sure whether the last question applies to SB or the oily Bug Clear. I haven't used the latter, but you can be assured that SB has no effect on the white hair tufts of astrophytums.

Isn't it interesting how mealies like infesting some of the astrophytums and are well camouflaged among the hair tufts.

[Kees]

Would biological control with Phytoseiulus persimilis be worth a try?

[juster]

Would it be ok to use on Astrophytum myriostigma etc? They do have that suede like coat and not sure if it would mark it.

Just an additional comment, I wouldn't use SB on plants covered in farina, like many Echeverias, but then I wouldn't spray them with anything at all.
Kees I've never had much success with biological control for any pest, although I've not tried for RSM. It would be interesting to know how others have fared.