Coco and soiless mixes less likely to have root aphids

Resinable · Dec 21, 2011

I'm looking for feedback on soiless mixes and coco that people feel has not come with root aphids or other bugs. What are peoples experiences with compressed coco? Does it come contaminated like the loose bags? Are any brands better than others? I am beginning to suspect the Roots Organic does often come with pests included and I know Fox Farm is notorious for this. Also for this reason I am considering substituting Fytocell for coco but have not found a place to purchase it.

At any rate, it seems like an important step in stoping root aphids would be to stop bringing them to one's grow site; so any thoughts on this would be appreciated.

outwest · Dec 21, 2011

I've used Botanicare Ready Gro Moisture Mix and not had any bugs caused by the mix. I survived a round of spider mites (god bless predatory mites!) but those definitely did not come from the coco. Best of luck!

outwest

GodZsoN · Dec 21, 2011

I've used b'cuz coco good not great.. And canna coco. Good not great.. Where I'm at they both go for 35-40 a bag.. And the canna had lil black bugs right off the bat.. Thank you canna for the complementary bugs.. Never buying that garbage again.. It took me 2 weeks to clean up the problem and plant my girls.. My coco choice now it just pure batanicare coco.. Haven't had a problem and they seem to love it.. Plus its half the price.. Never tired the bricks.. Can't say much about then except it seems liked a pain in the ass.. Good luck bro..

Peace,
GodZsoN

genepool · Dec 21, 2011

I used botanicare and got aphids so it's a toss up it seems, although I suspect they growshop may play a role in this at times, but one never really knows.

HungryMan420 · Dec 21, 2011

Im running Canna and No bugs knock on wood tap tap tap!!!!

KennyPowers · Dec 21, 2011

make sure to buy compressed bricks or from somewhere that stores the bags inside.

Buddy Hemphill · Dec 21, 2011

I run 707 and have never had a bug that I know of.

Sea says coco is the worst to try to get rid of RA's.

altimood · Dec 21, 2011

1. don't take clones from people
2. sterilize your medium
3. use an aggressive preventative program
4. don't let ANYONE in your space that is around other cannabis plants.

Follow these rules, and you might not get root aphids. They are everywhere, in every state in the U.S.

I communicate with people from all over on a daily basis about root aphids. I have experienced MAJOR loss from them. They even got an article written about them in Kush Magazine in Denver, CO because they are such a dirty rotten STD. Most people that I know that grow either have or have had root aphids. Follow the rules...:sun

Buddy Hemphill · Dec 21, 2011

How would I sterilize organic soil?

Like 707 or whatever...

I've thought about heating it ,but I dont have a way to heat that much soil...without a divorce...

EDIT......just read thread title.....coco and soilless...

nurmind

Buddy Hemphill · Dec 21, 2011

Are there any verified cases of RA's being traced back to the media?

If so....what suppliers?

Sometimes it may be hard to truly ID the source of the pest.

A 'fur shure' on a particular soil bringing in RA's would make me curious if its the manufactuer or storage conditions at the retail outlets caused the problem...

I know it would be hell to get them to admit it....

Dont RA's need roots to live? What would they eat in a new bag of coco?

Is larval stage what may be the culprit? That would mean that they are selling used coco?,right? Or else how could they get there?

Dain Bramage.

Resinable · Dec 21, 2011

I like your suggestions regarding preventing RA contamination, Altimood; I've been thinking pretty much the same thing in that regard. I too have suffered devastating losses do to these little bastards. I am currently seeking professional mental health services resulting from PTRAID (post traumatic root aphid infestation disorder).

I am also curious about soil sterilization, this seems like a no brainer and should probably adopted as part of a best practices regime for all serious growers. I wonder if it could be accomplished by putting the medium in a grow room between cycles and turning off the AC/ventillation and the hid lights on. This could potentially exterminate any bugs lingering in the nooks and crannies of a grow room as well as treat a large amount of medium in one go. But what temp would one need to reach and how long would you need to maintain it? Would there be any safety/electrical concerns?

cemchris · Dec 21, 2011

Bake it or microwave it. As far as not being able to do that well Cant help you there. I have recently moved from Canna which I swear by back to Bot bricks because they fit nicely in the oven :)

BTW the list Alti put up should be laminated and put on your door, tent, closet or whatever so you never forget. I haven't seen a clone in quite some time and as much as I want some old flavs back the word of the day is "hey cross that shit and send me some seeds."

altimood · Dec 21, 2011

My coworkers are working on a home made oven to heat our medium before re-use. Depending on what your volume is, you might consider purchasing one of these "soil sterilizers" for your needs. I have seen them sold as big as 1/2 yard ovens.

If you were rich you could get one of these bad ass soil steamers.
http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl...=safari&sa=X&rls=en&tbm=isch&prmd=ivns&itbs=1

altimood · Dec 21, 2011

Steam or cook, home made innovation works nicer on the wallet.:nerd

altimood · Dec 21, 2011

Buddy Hemphill said:
Are there any verified cases of RA's being traced back to the media?

If so....what suppliers?

Sometimes it may be hard to truly ID the source of the pest.

A 'fur shure' on a particular soil bringing in RA's would make me curious if its the manufactuer or storage conditions at the retail outlets caused the problem...

I know it would be hell to get them to admit it....

Dont RA's need roots to live? What would they eat in a new bag of coco?

Is larval stage what may be the culprit? That would mean that they are selling used coco?,right? Or else how could they get there?

Dain Bramage.

I think its absolutely possible to get bugs in store bought medium. A lot of folks laugh at the notion, its debatable. Why debate? Just assume its happening and go from there. I get it, though. It's frustrating but its reality. So many growers walking in and out of stores tracking in who knows what. Its mind boggeling. You think root aphids suck. Try a russet mite on. You can't even see them with the naked eye. Then there's broad mites. It ain't easy cultivating the good stuff. Its fuckin war out here. You have to use a regimen of preventative maintenance against PM, mites of all kinds, and mudda fuggin root aphids whenever you take on a grow.

Buddy Hemphill · Dec 22, 2011

Not debating...lol....

It would be a mistake to assume where the bugs come from. I have seen growers blame everything in the world but themselves. Ya gotta find out fur shure.

If it isn't the media then its something else that could be possibly prevented.

I would rather know fur shure than just figger....if possible.

I use over a pallet of 707 with each run.

How the hell would a fella sterilize a pallet of anything!?...lol... Man it sounds like a good idea, but sheesh! ....MY ACHING BACK....!!

I have actually thought about buying enough pickle barrels to hold an entire run worth of soil and hitting it with a composting aid or something. Then just keep them sealed up....maybe roll them once a week and open them up for a minute and seal em back up. Nothing can live without air, right?

altimood · Dec 22, 2011

Buddy, if your growing on that level, you need Met 52. Then you don't even need to worry about it. You in Denver?

Buddy Hemphill · Dec 22, 2011

werd?

I am gonna read the thread..

I veg in 6 inch pots before I transplant to the beds. I have been hitting them at about 12-16"s with Merit 75. I has a 60 day systemic residual. I veg for 30 days in the beds...so with 60 days (min) flower I have 90 days (min) from application to harvest, so I feel semi safe. I works like a murfukr.

That said, I have been scared to change because it works. But I WANT to change because of possible toxicity....well...toxicity.

Its hard for me to roll the dice after the prollums I had with RA's.

But this shit is dangerous....M75....

I'm gonna read the thread....

BTW...nice link on the soil sterilizers..there is a soil sterilization chart. I tried every way I know to copy and paste it here. I couldn't copy the page. It has the soil temps vs pathogens death temp. purdy kewl. Somebody should paste it here...I am not a pc expert.

DrCALIGREENTHUM · Dec 22, 2011

^^ your gonna love met 52 Im about to order a big bag right now
Have yet to see a negative review on it

cemchris · Dec 22, 2011

Coco and soiless mixes less likely to have root aphids

Coco and soiless mixes less likely to have root aphids

Resinable

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Coco and soiless mixes less likely to have root aphids

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