Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
X
The maximum number of treatments.
X
The latest time of application, or harvest interval
(days between application and harvest).
X
Any specifi c restrictions, such as clothing required
and temperature at which application should be
made (the nature of the protective clothing stated
on the label commonly refl ects the LD
50
status of
the ingredient).
X
A reminder to read all other safety precautions
on the label and directions for use on labels of
pesticide containers intended for gardener use.
X
A
blue logo
is now included, where relevant,
showing a picture of a child and a dog, to indicate
that there is danger from the product if eaten by
children, pets or wildlife (e.g.
metaldehyde
slug
pellets).
Table 16.1
Suitable garden plants for different
locations (see also p. 21 for hardiness ratings)
Garden location
Suitable garden species
Sunny
Ceanothus thyrsiflorus
(shrub),
Lonicera
japonica
(climber),
Lamium maculatum
(perennial),
Petunia
x hybrid (annual)
Dry shade
Gaulthera shallon
(shrub),
Cissus striata
(climber),
Tellima grandifolia
(perennial)
Moist shade
Skimmia japonica
(shrub),
Passiflora
coccinea
(climber),
Anemone x
hybrids
(perennial)
Sandy soil
Cytisus scoparia
(shrub),
Tropolaeolum
tricolorum
(climber),
Erymgium
tripartitum
(perennial),
Antirrhinum
cvs
(annual)
Heavy soil
Cornus alba
(shrub),
Rosa filipes
(climber),
Filipendula ulmaria
(perennial)
Alkaline soil
Berberis darwinii
(shrub),
Wisteria
sinensis
(climber),
Gypsophila paniculata
(perennial),
Ageratum
cvs (annual)
Selection of plants
The gardener often has
two
important
decisions
when considering the most suitable species/
cultivar to grow. The first is the
choice of the plant
appropriate for the garden location. The second is the
use of a suitable
plant resistance
to diseases and
pests.
Acid soil
Pieris japonica
(shrub),
Berberidopsis
corallina
(climber),
Uvularia grandiflora
(bulb)
Protected site
(by a wall)
Buddleia crispa, Garry elliptica
(shrubs),
Solanum crispum
(climber),
Salvia
involucrate
(perennial)
16
Windy site
Euphorbia characias
(small shrub),
Schisandra rubrifolia
(climber),
Geranium
sanguineum
(perennial),
Limnanthes
douglasii
(annual)
Plant species suitable for specific
garden locations
The garden can be seen as a pattern of small
habitats (see p. 38), each presenting particular soil
and microclimate conditions that are favourable to
particular
plant species
. Among the many decisions
a gardener has to make, choosing the most suitable
plant species for each location is one of the most
important. Failure to choose sensibly may result in
weak plant growth and susceptibility to diseases (and
pests). More detailed information can be found in
reference topics on garden species.
Benefits of correct species choice:
X
Optimum plant growth is achieved.
X
Healthy plants are usually less prone to diseases
and pests.
Plant selection for resistance
Benefit of resistance control:
X
The selected resistant plant/cultivar produces
appropriate chemicals that work
inside
the plant
to combat a pest or disease without any further
intervention being necessary from the gardener.
X
In this way, resistance may greatly reduce the
need for chemical control.
Limitations of resistance control:
X
New strains (pathotypes) of disease or pest may
develop that overcome the plant's resistance.
Natural balances: since plant resistance works against
the pest or disease from inside the plant, there are
not likely to be any changes in the balance of food
chain species (see p. 38) when resistant cultivars are
chosen. The indirect effect will be that, in the case
of pest resistance, a pest's predator and parasite
numbers may decrease in that locality.
Examples: a few examples of resistant cultivars
are given here. 'Pentland Dell' is less prone to slug
attack than most potato cultivars. The tomato cultivar
'Primato' has resistance to mosaic virus,
Fusarium
wilt
Locations in the garden
Table 16.1 lists some of the common garden
locations, and some plant species suited to each
location. In its more suitable place, a plant species
is less likely to be affected by pests, diseases and
physiological disorders because its general health
(including its level of nutrients) will be suitable for
balanced growth.
