[Evil Pixie]

Would chilli oil itself be a good way to combat pests so I dont have to reach for the chems again this year?


I have a 5 year old mature chilli oil thats been filtered a few times, would this if mixed with water and sprayed on to plants be of use any thoughts?

I intend to use it only on capsicums.



EP

This post has been edited by evilpixiea420: 03 April 2012 - 09:04 PM

[fredaweed]

You could try that, I would personally use predators though. There is a lot of ladybirds about atm, best thing is they are free and natural.

[Puff Adder]

You should try vermicompost tea if you have a worm farm or have access to fresh worm castings. AACT made with fresh worm castings contains something called chitinase which dissolves the exoskeleton of insects like greenfly! It really works I've done it on my plants and the best part is it's 100% organic pesticide! Try it, you may have to apply it a few times, but it should definitely work Let me know how it pans out if you try it.

[Puff Adder]

Quote

The benefit that I find the most impressive is the natural resistance to insect infestation. The digestive system of earthworms produces an enzyme called chitinase. This enzyme is a degrader of chitin, the substance that comprises the exo-skeletons of most insects. When used properly, worm castings act as a natural insect repellant. If a bug feeds on the leaves of a plant which has absorbed the chitinase, its stomach will soon begin to dissolve with death soon to follow.. I especially recommend applications against the most stubborn of sapsuckers like ahpids, whiteflies, mealybugs, and mites. An application of worm castings should be about 1" thick and a foot or so in width. Spread it around the drip line of the tree or shrub and cover with 2" of compost. Castings can also be mixed 1c per gallon of water as a brewed tea then applied as folliar spray.

hxxp://cat-on-a-soapbox.hubpages.com/hub/Worm-Castings-A-Gardeners-Secret-to-Success

[oldtimer1]

Puff Adder, on 03 April 2012 - 10:35 PM, said:

Quote

The benefit that I find the most impressive is the natural resistance to insect infestation. The digestive system of earthworms produces an enzyme called chitinase. This enzyme is a degrader of chitin, the substance that comprises the exo-skeletons of most insects. When used properly, worm castings act as a natural insect repellant. If a bug feeds on the leaves of a plant which has absorbed the chitinase, its stomach will soon begin to dissolve with death soon to follow.. I especially recommend applications against the most stubborn of sapsuckers like ahpids, whiteflies, mealybugs, and mites. An application of worm castings should be about 1" thick and a foot or so in width. Spread it around the drip line of the tree or shrub and cover with 2" of compost. Castings can also be mixed 1c per gallon of water as a brewed tea then applied as folliar spray.

hxxp://cat-on-a-soapbox.hubpages.com/hub/Worm-Castings-A-Gardeners-Secret-to-Success

What an earth is "1c"???

[madgiz]

oldtimer1, on 04 April 2012 - 11:33 AM, said:

What an earth is "1c"???

I think they mean 1 cup as in 8 fluid ounces..

This post has been edited by madgiz: 04 April 2012 - 12:05 PM

[Puff Adder]

I don't have a clue what '1c' is supposed to be but I reckon Madgiz may be onto something. There are better recipes and ratios to follow on the internet as I'm sure you're well aware oldtimer1. The principle remains the same.

[Evil Pixie]

Thank you for replies. Very interesting. Freda lady birds are the bugs for the job, if only I could encourage them to stay local, they skive a lot.Thanks for the link Puff Adder. I dont mind applying something a few times, anything to not use chemical sprays. I think its lazy if anything because with investigation and a little research I'm sure nature offers better alternatives and I'd be willing to put money on the fact most wont kill off other micro culters/preditory insects that are important to have in an ecosystem.

As to chilli oil spray specifically? It would work on human pests hehe

This post has been edited by evilpixiea420: 04 April 2012 - 05:54 PM

[L'Emmerdeur]

SBPI works for me.

[Evil Pixie]

safe for that. I'm gonna pick up a bottle and save my chilli oil for chips and cheese on toast.