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Virginia Brubaker
Technical Assistant
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1. What steps should be taken to prevent my garden mums from getting Pythium?
Pythium is a water mold that causes root and stem rot in many plants. A distinctive symptom is the outer sheath of the root sloughing off and leaving the core of the root behind. Symptoms on the top of the plant include yellowing and wilting of the foliage. Pythium can cause heavy losses in mum fields. Consider a fungicide drench at planting or soon afterward.
Preventative control of Pythium can be obtained with Alude or with mycofungicides such as Plantshield/Rootshield, Companion and Actinovate/Actino-iron. Banrot, Truban and Subdue Maxx are traditional fungicides labeled for Pythium control. Please consult the Insecticide and Fungicide Options for 2006 Bulletin for more options along with rates and use patterns.
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2. How do I calibrate my pH & EC Meter?
pH and EC Meters have proven to be handy instruments to use around the greenhouse or nursery. They measure the pH and electrical conductivity of our irrigation water and growing media. With this information we can determine optimum pesticide spray water pH, soil pH and EC as well as fertilizer injector output. When and how to calibrate these meters are frequently asked questions. pH and EC meters should be calibrated at least every couple of weeks. Be sure to store the probes according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. The Hanna Combo meter HI 98130 is popular with our customers. The pH function is set by a two point calibration.
First start by holding the “MODE” button until the meter turns on. Once the meter is on, select the pH mode by pressing the “SET/HOLD” button. (pH will display in the upper right corner.) Then press and hold the “Mode” button until “CAL” is displayed on the LCD then release the button. (Display will cycle through “OFF” than “Cal”. It you go past “CAL” to “TEMP” just turn the meter off and retry.) The meter will ask you to use the “7.01” buffer solution. Submerge the probe into the 7.01 (HI7007M) solution until the clock symbol disappears. (A blinking “CAL” will also appear indicating that the meter is calibrating.) The meter will then ask you to use the “4.01” buffer solution. Take the probe out of the 7.01, gently shake the excess solution off of the probe and submerge it in the 4.01 (HI7004M) solution until the clock symbol disappears. The meter will then display “OK”. Press the mode button to turn unit off. Calibration of the pH probe is completed. Discard the used calibration solutions.
Similar procedures are followed to calibrate the EC on this pen. First start by holding the “MODE” button until the meter turns on. Once the meter is on, select the EC mode by pressing the “SET/HOLD” button. (mS will display in the upper right corner.) Then press and hold the “Mode” button until “CAL” is displayed on the LCD then release the button. The meter will ask to “USE” the “12.88” conductivity solution. Submerge the probe into the 12.88 (HI70030) solution (Note: 12880 uS/cm = 12.88 mS/cm) until the clock symbol disappears and the meter displays “OK”. Calibration of the EC probe is completed. Discard the used calibration solution. If you have any trouble calibrating your meters contact the Griffin Technical Department for assistance.
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| For more valuable information visit our Technical Support section. |
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