A disappointing product (Phostrogen Rose & Flower Organic Insecticide)

Member Name: BizzyB

Product:	Phostrogen Rose & Flower Organic Insecticide
Date:	01/07/00 (105 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: organic

Disadvantages: not very effective, unpleasant smell

This spray contains natural fatty acids to control common garden pests such as blackfly, whitefly, mealy bug etc. It is for use on ornamental plants such as roses and flowering plants; not suitable for edible crops. It has quite an unpleasant smell - a bit like fusty cooking oil. I have used it on roses infested with greenfly and despite continued treatments saw very little improvement. I used it on an ivy plant which had a blackfly infestation and saw no visible effect. It states on the container it's best not to use the product on Kolkwitzia, Euphorbias, pilea, Fuschia Dracaena, Saintpaulia, ferns, Gardenia, Nasturtiums, Sweet Peas, bedding plants in bloom, Mountain Ash and Horse Chestnut - this list contains many plants in people's summer garden and I'd therefore be tempted to look for a product with a more all round use. It also warns the treatment may damage plants in some conditions but doesn't explain this thoroughly enough apart from saying 'do not use in bright sunlight' which may be confusing, especially for new gardeners.

The theory of using fatty acids to control garden pests is quite established therefore I was surprised and disappointed by the performance of this product and have found the old gardeners' tip of spraying similar infestations with a mixture of water and washing-up liquid was more effective and certainly cheaper. One aspect of this product I did like, and would hope other manufacturers follow, is they produce a refill bottle which slighlty brings down the cost.

Summary: