Sumagic on poinsettia

[Jim Barrett <jeb@gnv.ifas.ufl.edu>]

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>Date: Mon, 28 Sep 1998 10:41:47 -0400
>From: robert schuler <sunnfarm@bellatlantic.net>
>Subject: Sumagic on poinsettia
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>Does anyone have any experence using Sumagic on poinsettia, is there any
>leaf burn at high temps or on sunny days?,and is it a reliable
>substitute for Cycocel as a foliar spray?
>Thank you
>Robert Schuler
>Sunny Meadow Farm
>Bridgeton. NJ.
>

Robert,



Sumagic does not yellow or burn leaves on poinsettias or other crops.  "Is
it a reliable substitute for Cycocel" is a little more complex question.
Sumagic is very active on poinsettias.  On poinsettias it's activity is
similar to Bonzi and the B-Nine/Cycocel tank mix.  These are all much more
active than Cycocel alone and can be very useful when used correctly.
However, if used incorrectly, they can cause significant delay in flowering
and reduced bract size.

In cool climates (including New Jersey), sprays of  Sumagic, Bonzi, or the
tank mix should not be applied after the start of short days.  If natural
days are used, this date would be about Sept. 25.  Therefore Sumagic sprays
at this date would be risky and not recommended unless the grower is very
familiar with the use and rates needed in their situation.

In cool climates, Cycocel is the best choice after start of short days.
Cutoff date for Cycocel sprays is Oct. 15 if temperatures are cool and Oct.
22 if temperatures are warmer than average at that time.

After the cutoff date for Cycocel sprays, the best alternatives are a
drench of A-Rest or Bonzi.  The rates would be 1 ppm for A-Rest or 0.5 ppm
for Bonzi.  Only one drench is applied, and the timing at these rates is
important.  In cool climates, it should be applied only after the plants
are within ½ inch of final desired size.  The date for this drench is not
too critical; it is the stage of development that is important.  Growers in
the Northeast have made this application as late as Thanksgiving on crops
that are still elongating too much.

Jim


Jim Barrett				
P.O. Box 110670				
Environmental Horticulture Dept.	
1545 Fifield Hall			
University of Florida
Gainesville, FL  32611-0670

Phone 352-392-7931
Fax   352-392-3870
email jeb@gnv.ifas.ufl.edu
http://hort.ifas.ufl.edu