Sulfur

Sulfur without additives is accepted in organic farming. Sulfur disrupts the metabolic process of fungi and insect pests. It is found in nature as a yellow powder crystal. It has a low toxicity to humans. It can be purchased as sulfur dust, wettable sulfur, and colloidal sulfur.

Sulfur dust is mixed with 1%-5% clay or talc to enhance the spread and adhesion (sticking) of the dust on plants. Wettable sulfur easily breaks-up in water. It is made of finely ground sulfur particles and a wetting agent. Colloidal sulfur is a wet paste and also soluble in water. These formulations are available in your local agricultural suppliers.

Pest controlled

1. Arthropods
2. Mites
3. Powdery mildew
4. Rusts
5. Apple scab
6. Rose black spot
7. and other plant diseases

Reminder

Read the label and follow the instructions carefully or better ask for assistance from your local agriculturist office when using sulfur for the first time.

Avoid using horticulture oils for at least 1 month after using sulfur or vice versa.

Shake sprayer or sprinkler while in the process of application to prevent sulfur to settle down.

Use plastic containers as sulfur wears down (corrodes) metals.

Standard procedures for the preparation and application of homemade extracts

1. Spray in the early morning or late afternoon.
2. Use utensils for the extract preparation that are not use for your food preparation and for drinking and cooking water containers. Clean properly all the utensils every time after using them.
3. Do not have a direct contact with the crude extract while in the process of the preparation and during the application.
4. Make sure that you place the extract out of reach of children and house pets while leaving it overnight.
5. Harvest all the mature and ripe fruits before extract application.
6. Always test the extract formulation on a few infected plants first before going into large scale spraying. When adding soap as an emulsifier, use a potash-based one.
7. Wear protective clothing while applying the extract.
8. Wash your hands after handling the extract.

External links

• Colorado State University Cooperative Extension. Friendly pesticides for home gardens. http://www.ext.colostate.edu/pubs/Garden/02945.html
• The Ohio State University. Insect and mite management alternatives. http://ohioline.osu.edu/b504/b504_6.html

References

• Brooklyn Botanic Garden. (2000): Natural disease control: A common-sense approach to plant first aid. Handbook # 164. Brooklyn Botanic Garden, Inc. 1000 Washington Avenue, Brooklyn, NY.
• Gilberg, L. editor. (1993): Garden pests and diseases. Sunset books. Sunset Publishing Corporation, California.
• Olkowski, W.; Daar, S.; Olkowski, H. (1991): Common sense - pest control. The Taunton Press. USA.
• Olkowski, W.; Daar, S.; Olkowski, H. (1995): The gardener’s guide to common-sense pest control. The Taunton Press. USA.