Quote:
Originally Posted by sunfish
Any information on Imidacloprid as systemic for edibles
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Nurseries and farms growing Citrus in an "Asian Citrus Psyllid" zone (nearly all major citrus areas in U.S.) are required by the USDA to treat the plants periodically with Imidacloprid or another systemic on the USDA's list. Consequently, there are only a few locations in the U.S. from which true "Certified Organic" Citrus is produced.
Otherwise, I think Imidacloprid is overkill. When used as a broad-band pesticide it removes both harmful and "good" predatory critters, thus leaving you open to a spider mite attack the following week.
Spectracide "Garden Insect Killer" contains extracts of pyrethrum and sassafras. Grocery stores are permitted to have licensed operators spray their produce with it (professional brand: Evergreen EC) nightly if need be. It is very effective in controlling nuisance insects and does not kill spiders, earthworms, etc.
Cyfluthrin is a minor step up from the above, it is a pyrethroid -- a synthetic version of pyrethrin with the same friendly properties. You will find it sold under the brands:
Bayer Powerforce Multi-Insect Killer
Schultz Insect Killer
Spectracide Triazide Insect Killer