Phytotoxicity of Three Formulations of Insecticidal Soap in Postharvest Dip Treatments of Dendrobium Orchids, 1991

Phytotoxicity trials were conducted on cut sprays of greenhouse grown dendrobium orchids. Sprays were rated on visual quality by two observers, and the scores were combined for an overall rating score ranging from zero (perfect) to eighteen (complete necrosis). After random assignment to treatments, five sprays were dipped in water for five min, and five each were dipped in 2% AI solutions of 3 insecticidal soaps for 5 min. The solutions were shaken off, stems immersed in water, and the flower sprays allowed to dry without rinsing. Sprays were held at ca. 26°C and rated twice weekly. Mean rating scores for treated and controls were subjected to ANOVA. Three trials under the same conditions were conducted.