Organic Pesticides

[Paradoxic]

If your plant has been infected with some kind of pest there are a variety of pesticides you can mix up to control them. It is recommended that you use only organic pesticides on Salvia divinorum. If you notice any signs of pests you should spray them with one of the following organic pesticides. Even if you plant seems to be pest free it is always a good idea to use preventive pest control, so we recommend using the neem solution as a preventive listed below.

Here is an organic pesticide that you can use to control if you notice any of the common pests (read about them here). Just spray this solution on any part of the plant where you notice pests:

• 4 parts water
• 1 part rubbing alcohol
• 1 part liquid castile soap

NOTE: If you are growing in a humidity tent be sure your plant gets plenty of ventilation. If the alcohol builds up in the tent it can damage your plant.

This neem solution also works to control pests but it takes longer to take effect. The way neem works is it stops the pests from reproducing, but will not kill pests immediately. Read about how to use neem and make a solution here: Using Neem

Another option is to buy or catch some ladybugs. They are harmless to your plants and will feast on many pests that attack Salvia. Ladybugs probably will only work if you are growing in an enclosed area such as a humidity tent.

If you plant has a severe infestation and you have already tried one or more of the above options you may want to use pyrethrin. It is a natural insect nerve poison and is commonly used on fruits and vegetables. You should only use it as a last resort because it can be toxic to humans and other mammals. Avoid using products containing piperonyl butoxide(it is very toxic).

[cechmangoal]

what about using Yard Guard. It's stuff that creates a barrier from all bugs. you can spray it around your porch or something and no bugs will go there. i thought of spraying some around the base of the pot that my plant will be going in. it should technically work but does anyone know anything about it?/

[Paradoxic]

I'm sure that would work, but that stuff is certainly not organic. Also you definitely want to be careful using that stuff on a plant that you plan to ingest. Although spraying it on the outside of the pot would probably be OK. But I'd strongly advise against spraying the actual plant itself.

[Sea Mac]

Somebody told me you could make a VERY Poisonous pesticide out of Tobacco.

Nasty stuff, that Tobacco ...   

I don't remember the recipe ...    

[Paradoxic]

Somebody told me you could make a VERY Poisonous pesticide out of Tobacco.   

Yeah you definitely can, that might be a good addition for the pest control section. If you can find a good recipe be sure to post it up.

That stuff is definitely nasty:

Nicotine, derived from tobacco species, is one of the most toxic substances sold for use in the garden. It is extremely fast-acting, causing sever disruption and failure of the nervous system.

[strangeworld]

I found this Tobacco based pesticide recipe by the way - haven't tried it, so use at your own risk

(It mentions chemicals used in Tobacco manufacturing process... so perhaps not an entirely organic pesticide?)

Tobacco Spray

1 cup of tobacco
1 gallon of water

Place loose tobacco into a container of water. Allow the mixture to set for 24 hours. After 24 hours, the mixture should look like a weak cup of tea and you should be able to see the bottom of the container through the liquid. If the mixture is too dark, dilute it with water until you get the desired results.

Tobacco spray is especially useful for controlling caterpillars, aphids, and worms.

WARNING: Don't use this solution on peppers, tomatoes, eggplants, or any other member of the solanaceous family. Chemicals used in manufacturing tobacco can kill these types of plants!

[Paradoxic]

Hmmm, seems like a decent mixture. Has anyone tried it on Salvia?

Yeah that warning scares me a little bit as Salvia might react badly to it. Yeah wouldn't be an organic pesticide unless the tobacco was grown organically. I don't think I have ever heard of organic tobacco though...

[DrYRHead]

One could always grow their own tobacco for the purpose of making the pesticide tea out of it. I've done such before, but I have not grow any tobacco in a long time.BTW, if one uses a spray bottle to apply the tobacco tea to plants, be sure to rinse the spay-er out with water in between uses. Otherwise the sprayer will get clogged with crystalline nicotine and other junk very quick.

[tcamdg]

pyrethrin is obtained from Chrysanthemum coccineum (painted daisy) and C. cinerariaefolium. if you grow painted daisies, you can make your own pesticide: "The active ingredient is found in the flowers. Collect only fully opened flowers. Mix 100 grams of dried flowers in 1 litre of water and soak for one day. Can be stored for up to two months, but strain it first." (pdf)

pyrethrin is virtually the same as permethrin (a pyrethroid/synthetic pyrethrin). it will kill beneficials as well as pests, same as permethrin. effects of chronic exposure are poorly documented.

not exactly a pesticide, but the more i read about diatomaceous earth, the more decided i am to get some asap for the spider mites i'm fighting.

[SalvinorinLighter]

I found this Tobacco based pesticide recipe by the way - haven't tried it, so use at your own risk

(It mentions chemicals used in Tobacco manufacturing process... so perhaps not an entirely organic pesticide?)

Tobacco Spray

1 cup of tobacco
1 gallon of water

Place loose tobacco into a container of water. Allow the mixture to set for 24 hours. After 24 hours, the mixture should look like a weak cup of tea and you should be able to see the bottom of the container through the liquid. If the mixture is too dark, dilute it with water until you get the desired results.

Tobacco spray is especially useful for controlling caterpillars, aphids, and worms.

WARNING: Don't use this solution on peppers, tomatoes, eggplants, or any other member of the solanaceous family. Chemicals used in manufacturing tobacco can kill these types of plants!

This recipe is close to not 100% pure nicotine. Very dangerous substance where as 1-3 drops can kill a human even landing on the skin. I dunno though about Salvia Divinorum. I wouldn't try it.