[binner]

just been down the plot for a cabbage and some sprouts to find i have masses of cabbage white fly, according to dr hessayon i should spray with bifenthrin,
what do i buy from the garden centre that contains it? or can you recomend another product?
thanks

[Ivor Backache]

The small white flies live on the underneath of outer brassica leaves and do very little damage. The bits we want=the heart,  cauliflower, calabrese, etc are not touched. So most gardeners put up with them.

With regards to Dr Hessayon he does not have the European Regs to deal with, but it appears that Bifenthrin is banned.

Bifenthrin is a Pyrethroid compound.
Symptoms of Poisoning with Pyrethroid Compounds.
- Irritation of skin and eyes.
- Irritability to sound or touch, abnormal facial sensation, sensation of prickling, tingling or creeping on skin, numbness.
- Headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, excessive salivation, fatigue.
- In severe cases: fluid in the lungs and muscle twitching may develop. Seizures may occur and are more common with more toxic cyano-pyrethroids.

Do you still want to spray your cabbages and sprouts!!
 
 

[binner]

huuuummmm guess not then,
thanks for the advice though

[Ice]

The EU regulations seem to change with the wind.   However, I use Provado Ultimate and find it very good.  There are clear instructions on the product and I never waiver from what they say.

[radiohead]

I'd rather put up with slightly tatty cabbages than eat pesticides

[Salmo]

Bifenthrin should not be on sale since 31st May 2010 but may still be used until 31st May 2011.

Provado Ultimate Bug Killer is systemic and only has approval on brassicas up to 8 leaves. Therefore it can be used on freshly transplanted brassicas but not when they are bigger. That is what says on the label.

I used it on my young brassicas this year and it did keep them clear for a while but then they came back.

Has anyone used any of the organic fish oil sprays or soap based sprays on them?

[SUTTY1]

THE last 2yrs i've had probs with whitefly when ignored for a few weeks. If i spray with dilute washing up liquid once a week they are kept under control.
Nearly went chemical this year but even there instructions say whitefly need to be sprayed every week and wash'up much cheaper

[binner]

i found more info on the washing up liquid so i think il give it a try,
i know some said just leave them as they wont cause a problem, but when you cut into a nice big savoy cabbage and the kitchen fills with them, its a problem!