Hi all. Hope this season's Poinsettias are as well for everyone as they have been here. So a quick question.....

I had to spray the retail greenhouse last night for various insects and some of my points have a slight residue. Capsil was used in the spray mix so I didn't want to use it again to wash off the residue. I want to make a small bucket of water and dish soap so my employees can fill up a small hand sprayer and spray off the film. Is this a good Idea? and at what rate should I use for the soap?

Thanks,
Happy Holidays to all
Tom

We have heard of growers using dish soap on points and other crops to wash off residue but haven't tried it on our own crop. We tend to stay away from any type of detergents, especially on finished bracts. We understand your concern with overuse of the Capsil because we have seen many a crop ruined at finish because too much Capsil or a comparable surfactant was used. Remember though when you use Capsil to clean spots off the bracts and foliage you are immediately rinsing the Capsil off with clear water so it doesn't actually dry and remain on the bract, reducing the risk for any damage.