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Q&A – Do I treat shrubs for insects and fungus preventatively or when needed?

Question:
Do I treat shrubs for insects and fungus preventatively or when needed?
​
Answer:

Fungicides should be used on a preventative basis, insecticides on an as needed basis. Rose expert Bill Dickerson and UT Extension Agent Chris Cooper says that fungicides are not able to cure a problem, they can only prevent a new problem. They need to be applied preventatively to stop the fungus before it starts. Insecticides mostly kill on contact. If you don’t have the insect present, insecticides will not do anything. Systemic insecticides are the exception. They will protect the plant for a long time. If the plant has a history of insect problems apply the systemic a month or so before the problem usually occurs.

Related Videos:
Systemic Insecticides
Mixing and Applying Fungicide
Fungicides

​Related Resources:
An Introduction to Integrated Pest Management of Landscapes
​Fungicides and Bactericides for Home Fruits, Vegetables, and Ornamentals (UT Redbook
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  • Home
  • Watch
    • TV Schedule
    • Full Episodes Online
    • How-to and Informational
    • Questions and Answers
    • This Week in the Garden
    • Garden Notes
  • Garden Topic Collections
    • Apple Trees: How-to and Information
    • Peach Trees: How-to and Information
    • Tomatoes: How-to and Information
    • Square Foot Garden Blog
  • Resources
    • Soil Testing
    • Extension Publications
    • Gardening Resources
    • Blogs
    • Organic Gardening
    • Articles
    • Privacy
  • Guests
  • Contact Us
    • Ask a Gardening Gardening Question
  • Search