Re:screwy pitchers
Larry Mellichamp (fbi00tlm@unccvm.uncc.edu)
Fri, 21 Jun 1996 12:59:41 -0500
A likely explanation for twisted, cork-scre-like pitchers on Sarracenia is
the presence of bad organisms attacking the young leaves, namely thrips or
mites. Either one can be devastating, and should be dealt with as soon as
you notice deformities. Mealy bugs down around the leaf bases may also
cause deformities. I have lost a whole month of new leaves to thrips (BTW,
the word thrips is both singular and plural; you can have one thrips.) I
use Orthene for thrips; and for mites, kelthane may be the only thing easily
available. (we use avid, pentac and talstar for mites, but they are
expensive and may require a permit in some states). Check your plants
carefully if you notice deformities; as few as one thrips or mite can cause
signs. regards,
Larry Mellichamp
Larry Mellichamp
Biology Dept.
UNC Charlotte
Charlotte, NC 28223
phone (704) 547-4055
Fax (704) 547-3128
E-Mail FBI00TLM@UNCCVM.UNCC.EDU