Et-Lancaster Farming, Saturday, March 21,1987
Newark, Del. - Today hor
ticultural oil sprays can be used to
control plant pests during both the
dormant season and the growing
season without plant damage,
according to Jeff Daniels,
Delaware Cooperative Extension
master gardener.
“Oil sprays were first introduced
in the early 1900 s to control the San
Jose scale that was damaging fruit
orchards throughout the country,”
Daniels says. “These oils were
heavy and contained many im
purities that caused the oil to dry
slowly, turning the foliage brown.
Therefore oil sprays were used
only in the dormant season when
leaves were off the trees.”
Oil sprays manufactured today
are much lighter, dry within an
hour or so and contain less im
purities, the master gardener
says. “They are no more
damaging or harmful to most plant
foliage than insecticides in
petroleum carriers.”
Horticultural oil sprays are
effective against scales, insects,
aphids, mealybugs, red spider
SDID NistUowers
Misting produces a better crop in any field. Saves
time, money and water. It can also be used for
foliate feeding.
Call Us Today For Your Spraying Needs
Most Models In Stock
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As you prepare to plant your FIELD CORN, SWEET
CORN, TOBACCO, TOMATOES, SOYBEANS AND
OTHER C
PHOTIC
At times crop damage can- loans this year. We have
not be helped, but the fin- the markets and knowledge
ancial damage it incurs can to handle all your farm
be. Many lenders will re- insurance needs,
quire insurance for crop
Closing date for some policies is April 15
For courteous service from people familiar with crop
production see ROGER SLUSHER at
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26-28 Market Square Manheim, PA 17545
Phone: 717-665-2283
Home: 717-653-1147
Full Service Farm Insurers
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mites, white flies and psyllids. The
sprays are useful against pests in
apple and pear trees and, when
used as a leaf polish on the leaves
of hardy houseplants, can help
suffocate insect eggs. “The oil
seems to act as a repellent as well,
preventing rapid reinfestation,”
Daniels says.
The master gardener suggests
the most effective time to use
horticultural oil would still be in
March and early April, before the
buds open. Soak the bark of twigs,
brandies and tree trunks so the oil
spray runs off.
“Many oil sprays can be com
bined with other chemicals to
make a winter spray for dormant
deciduous fruits,- roses and or
namentals,” says Daniels. “But
you should always check the label
for compatibility first.”
During the growing season the
best time to use oil sprays is June
through August. Try to spray near
the end of the day when summer
temperatures are lower.
To minimize insect damage,
Daniels urges gardeners to inspect
R.D. 480x49
Ephrata, PA 17522 _
717-733-3015
Will Shipps" I
■ 419/32
FARMERS
Oil Sprays No Longer Damage Plants
ISURANCI
plants every one to two weeks.
Sprays should be applied while the
pests are immature and in-
festations are still localized.
The major producer of hor
ticultural oils on the east coast is
Refining and Marketing
Sun
Farm Machinery: Buy Smart When Buying Used
COLLEGE PARK, Md. - This
spring’s boom of farm auctions is a
bonanza for bargain hunters. But
buyer, beware. Along with great
buys in tractors and machinery,
lurk a few lemons. How can you
tell the difference?
“Your best defense is careful
scrutiny,” says Gaiy L. Smith, an
agricultural engineer for Hie
University of Maryland
Cooperative Extension Service.
And according to Smith, that
scrutiny starts with “an eyeball
appraisal.” Used equipment with a
good appearance has usually been
the beneficiary of regular care.
But be suspicious of a fresh paint
job, warns Smith. Its only purpose
may be to cover up flaws.
BEST BUY of the YEAR
• 6” Steel Main Beam
• 2” Vertical Tubing Drilled so that the 1" Horizontal tubing
extends Full Length of Wagon
• Front-Side and Rear Loading and Unloading
• 2xB Pressure Treated Lumber Floor
• 2x6 Oak Cross Beams
• Beds are 8' wide, available in 16,18 or 21’ lengths.
Racks are 90” high.
• NEW FEATURE: 6” Channel across back for pushing wagon
without damaging bed.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, CALL YOUR LOCAL DEALER:
LOST CREEK TOBIAS EQUIPMENT CO., INC. OXFORD GREENLINE,
IMPLEMENT Halifax, pa INC.
Oakland Mill, PA 717-362-3132 Oxford. PA
717-463-2161 215-932-2753
MELROSE FARM NORTHEAST PAUL SHOVER’S, INC.
SERVICE DISTRIBUTING Loysville, PA
Greencastle, PA West Clifford, Pa. 71 7-789-3117
717.597.3133 717-222-9020
717-597-3138 A.B.C. GROFF
KELLER BROS. VALLEY IMPLEMENT
Lebanon, PA r»
717-949-6501 5ALt3> CARLISLE FARM
DUNKLE & GREIB 703-434-9961 S r R ! ICE pi
Mill Hall, PA Carlisle, PA
717-726-3115 CHAMBERSBURG FARM clawVfawluPßY
WALTER G. COALE, INC. SUPPLY CLARR s ™ SUPPIY
Churchville, MO Chambersburg. PA Williamsport, PA
301-734-7722 717-264-3533 717-494-0060
Manufactured By
CLW MANUFACTURING, INC.
R.D. #2, Box 8
Newburg, Pa. 17240
717-423-6794
Company. Sun Company
wholoudes to distributors who
repackage the oil spray under their
company brand names. Some of
these brand names are Scalecide,
Volch Oil Spray and Agway Oil
If you’re strapped for cash and
you absolutely must make do with
a used planter, only buy one that a
dealer has completely renovated.
Remember, too, that in the fall you
can often delay costly investments
in harvesting equipment by hiring
custom operators.
In the meantime, here are some
tips from Smith on sizing up that
second-hand tractor:
• If the tractor does not have a
cab, check the ganges near die
operator for telltale signs of
weather damage. Look for any
traces of leaked oil or accumulated
dirt on the engine block. Also check
the oil in the crankcase for signs of
water or anti-freeze. These are
both red flags for a cracked block,
Spray. Most brands sold today are
labeled both dormant season and
growing season, Daniels says. He
reminds gardeners to pay careful
attention to the safety directions
printed on every pesticide label.
blown head gasket, or major
engine problem.
• Now torn on the tractor engine.
Does it start easily? If the tractor
has a diesel engine, listen for the
distinct “diesel knock” as the
engine warms up. If you don’t hear
it, the engine may be plagued by
low compression.
• While the engine is still cold,
engage the hydraulic system. If it
doesn’t operate smoothly, you may
be buying a tractor with hydraulic
pump or valve problems.
• If possible, drive the tractor
and shift the gears. Test the torque
and transmission.
• Finally, take a good look at the
tires. Replacements are ex
pensive.