Episode: #2 09/09/2006
Presenter: Judy Horton

Most native plants are pretty tough but that doesn't mean that they don't occasionally get their share of problems

Just as with any other type of plant, if you choose the right varieties and look after them well, you will reduce the chances of them being attacked by pests and diseases.

Sometimes, in spite of your best efforts, native plants suffer problems. One of the worst is a root rot that can cause the plant to die almost overnight. It is caused by a fungus disease called phytophthora.

The fungus gets into the roots and sometimes just affects part of the root system, which can cause one or two branches to die back. Other times the whole plant dies within just a few days. Some of our most beautiful natives - like boronias and many grevilleas - are susceptible to this disease.   Although root rot is difficult to treat, you can help prevent it taking hold by making sure plants are growing in well drained soil (put them in a pot if you need to) and by spraying with Yates Anti Rot.   Anti Rot is a fungus control that gets inside the plant and boosts its protection against root rot. It is a very low toxic fungicide.   Natives usually cope pretty well with insect attack, but if pests seem to be winning, the plant may need your help. That's where Confidor comes in.   Confidor takes care of a whole lot of different sucking insects and it comes in many different formulations. The most popular is a ready to use trigger pack, but, for bigger gardens, you might like to try the economical dropper. Just count the drops into the sprayer.   In spite of the occasional problem, you will find most natives are very easy to grow. And, because there are so many to choose from, if you visit your local nursery you're bound to find a native plant that's exactly right for your garden.

Featured Products

Bayer Confidor Insecticide

• Used to control aphids, azalea lace bugs, greenhouse thrips, mealybug, soft scale, hibiscus flower beetle, sap sucking bugs, psyllids.
• Systemic action - absorbed through the foliage and moves throughout the plant to control insect pests - works from the inside out.
• Good for spot treatment of pests.
• Low toxic, water based formulation.
• Soft on beneficial insects such as ladybirds.

Yates Anti Rot

• Controls collar rot and phytophthora root rot in various plants such as citrus, avocados & ornamentals.  Also controls downy mildew in grapes.
• Systemic fungicide - absorbed by the foliage and travels down to the roots.
• Low toxic
• No withholding period.
• Boosts the plant's own defence mechanisms to help prevent disease.
• Used by commercial growers & Australian Plant enthusiasts.