Ask The Plant Doctor – February 2010

Note:  This issue of the Plant Doctor is shorter because V.D. Kaviraj is making preparations to assist in Haiti with homeopathy.  All other questions will be answered on his return.

Dear Kaviraj

I am a chemical free farmer living near Wagga in New South Wales. Native pasture has been largely destroyed in most of the “improved” paddocks, to be replaced by winter-growing annuals. This means that when we have any summer rain a variety of other species try to fill the vacuum.  One of the most troublesome species is Tribulus Terrestris which has gone beyond control by hand-weeding in some areas.I have tried using peppers made and broadcast at the appropriate time of the month with no measureable success.  Have you any thoughts?

Thank you
Rosemary

Dear Rosemary,

This grass problem can best be solved by Juglans regia or Juglone.

———————————

Dear Kaviraj,

Please advise if there is any medicine for woolly aphids?

Ovais

Dear Ovais,

You can buy Coccinella 6X from the homoeopathic store. It is made of ladybugs and will repel all aphids from any plant. Another way is the gauzefly, Syphilinida, which is available from some dealers in IPM – Integrated Pest Management. There are firms that breed predators and they can be ordered straight from them. With that batch of insects you can make a remedy yourself. Grind the insects up in a mortar and pestle, with some lactose or sucrose, for about 1 hour. Dissolve the sugar in water and dilute 1:10. Give 10 succussions and from the mixture obtained again dilute 1:10, with the same 10 succussions. Repeat till the 6^th decimal solution. See above for the further instructions of use. At the top of the page these can be found.

————————————-

Dear Dr. Kaviraj

I have sent you a direct mail attaching pictures of some leaves and stem of Alstonia trees which are affected for 2-3 years. Last year I had cut the branches and had treated the soil with Boron,
organic matter and have also used some sprays but without any result. I am attaching the pictures again. I wonder if these are any kind of rust. However, please help me specifically suggesting whether to use the remedy as foliar spray or soil drenching. Please give full description.
I already have your book Homeopathy for Farm and Garden which is very interesting and would like to try some of your suggestions. I will also share my experiences. I seek your urgent response.
Regards

Pawan Singhania

Dear Pawan

This does not look like rust at all. This is a tunneling insect with galls – Gallwasp comes to mind. You could try Thuja as a remedy, or maybe Coccinella, once the larvae come out.

Kaviraj