drtreelove

And I assume that you have seen evidence of an actual pest and not a "perceived" pest or skin disorder.

Sorry to hear that your friend has to go through all this. Can you get a macro/close up photo of the pest? There are some pest identifier phone apps available now, like Picture Insect and Pest Identifier. I haven't used them. Pest Identifier for iPhonehttps://itunes.apple.com/us/app/pest-identifier/id675370471?mt=8Android app on Google Play https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.agilerocket.pestidentifier My opinion is to not hire a pest control company who cannot identify the target pest and provide detail of the treatment method and pesticide product to be used, and a guarantee of effectiveness for a specified period of time. I'm surprised that Rentokil can not identify it. They are a huge international chain and must have entomologists and lab resourses, or the local branch is just not willing to try very hard, and they offer the 10,000 baht fumigation package that they are guessing will kill anything and everything. Has your friend inquired of the condo management or neighbors in the building, if anyone else is having this pest problem. A responsible pest management company would have investigated that important factor, which is a key bit of information. Because isolated treatment of one condo unit may not eradicate the pest from the building, and the problem could return in time when the pesticide residual effectiveness has expired. That may be why CNX declined to even inspect it. They are probably aware of how complicated that can be in an condo apartment building with multiple owners. Diatomaceous earth is an interesting option for some pests, but without an identification it's still guessing on appropriateness and effectiveness . I haven't seen it at garden and ag shops. Try Aden Health Food Store at JJ Market, near Lotus Kamtieng. Lazada Philippines and Alibaba China list it.

I'm not an experienced grower, but I've had fairly successful rooting (three out of five) by just planting them in compost amended soil, in the ground where I wanted them to grow. Not too deep, leave the top of the husk with sprouts above grade. Mulch the soil surface for moisture retention, keep them watered and be patient. But recognize that this may not be the best time of year to get rooting and growth. The weather will cool down considerably next month and through Jan and early Feb, especially where you are in the hills. You will get better results in the early growing season, March, with water management since it will be hot and dry. Or wait until the beginning of rainy season in May or June if you don't want to have to irrigate.

That's a huge statement, for a Thai village not to be able to grow phrik, makuathep and makua. My wife would die without her gaeng keow wan. For others who may be interested and for those not familiar: the plant family referenced, Solanaceae, includes potato, eggplant, tomato and peppers. If vert wilt has been confirmed by a plant pathology lab, or if it is in fact a fusarium wilt or phythophthora, or other soil borne pathogen or combination, then it is absolutely a result of poor soil structure, growing conditions and management, and difficiency in beneficial soil biology that would naturally suppress pathogenic fungi and water molds. The village should get it together and really be looking at public education for better practices to build soil health along the lines of regenerative ag principles. There is a wealth of information and emerging science coming out of that movement. (See the farming forum discussion on "regenerative agriculture" and the links to videos and papers in English and some in Thai). There is no good quick fix, chemical fungicides would exacerbate the problem in the long run, by killing off the beneficial soil biology. A comprehensive program of soil improvement is essential, along the lines of Soil Food Web and perhaps starting with intelligent compost inputs. But a best shot at a quick fix alternative that I would start with, is a biological fungicide that has a lot of attention and tons of recent scientific research demonstrating effectiveness: Trichoderma harzianum, some specific patented strains and some other Trichoderma species. Trichoderma harzianum - Wikipedia

Many exotic (non-native) plants do not adapt to the tropical monsoon climate and months of wet soil creating conditions for root rot. Especially if the soil does not drain well, and does not have healthy soil structure and an active soil biology population that supresses soil borne pathogens. High salts chemical fertilizers and pesticides will suppress soil biology and not help the situation. Organic, regen ag principles, methods and materials may help. And then there are possible toxicity issues . We have one small area in our yard where I can't grow much of anything inspite of my best shot at soil improvements. I suspect its a construction materials dump spot, paint or fuel spill. I was hoping that the rains would leach out the toxic factors, and my good organic matter and humate inputs would buffer the problem, but its not happening. A few feet away plants are growing fine.

I like the Theme: Soil is alive, dirt is dead. In my opinion this is the most important information of our time for growers. I hope that the World Soil Day contributors/presenters are aware of and will draw on the incredible new information, emerging science and revisions in modern eco-ag practices coming out weekly from some of the active researchers and educators on the subject of "soil is alive" . There are some amazing webinars, YT videos, blogs and case histories being presented weekly by Soil Food Web School, Advancing Eco Agriculture, In Search of Soil and others. Anyone who's approach to agriculture and horticulture, growing methods and input of fertilizer materials and pesticides is based on education and experience more that 10 years old, has some catching up to do.

Welcome to the farming forum. Please post details of the soils forum here.

The Difference Between an Earthworm & Compost Worm - Memes Worms Tony worm farm Thailand - Home | Facebook

What's wrong with this picture? "...reenactment of an attempted murder in a banana plantation ... " Looks like a bamboo grove to me. And just think, there were less violent alternatives: EM for odor control Organic Totto - Our Products Or banana fritters?

I don't think bats carry fruit to a remote location to feed on it, so you must have the fruiting fig plant near your palm where you see the fruit/seed remnants, or the bats are feeding on a palm fruit, some of which are smallish like you describe.

Ficus carica is the tree species of the mediterranean edible figs. They are difficult to grow for fruit production in Thailand due to climate limitations, and a grower that I just met has moved his production into green houses after failures outside. Some members here have posted of sucesses with edible figs, Soidog 2 was one. There are many other native tree species in the Ficus genus which produce fig fruits, but they are not suitible for human consumption. Your bats are probably feasting on the fruit from Ficus microcarpa (Chinese banyan), F. altissima (strangler fig) or another one of the 90 species of Ficus listed in Forest Trees of Northern Thailand, and there may be more in Southern Thailand.

The 'bat guano' fertilizer that I pictured was purchased at an ag shop across from MaeJo University outside of Chiang Mai city. But its not the pure stuff, its mostly chicken manure I believe, with some bat guano. This week I visited the Best Garden State facility in Nakhon Pathom and saw the great additions to their organic products line. Pure bat guano is now available. although not yet posted on the BGS Facebook products page. Lazada may have other resources. Disease transmission awareness and use of PPEs should be considered with all manure products, especially bat poo that can be powdered and airborne when handling. Mask and wash. I'm sorry to say that I don't trust most fertilizer vendors and its impossible to get an honest list of ingredients because everyone is rightfully scared of copy cat product thievery or they are trying to get around regulations. I trust Organic Totto and BGS for quality and business integrity. BGS and Biosurge Thailand are now working together to make a superior calcium-enhanced vermicompost that will, in my opinion be one of the best organic fertilizer products available in Thailand. They supply some big CBD-hemp grow operations, but the vermicompost will be excellent for food production, tree and landscape soil fertility too.

Yes, tree trimming is usually required in a residential setting. And after over 50 years of getting calls for neighbor disputes over tree issues, and sometimes involving lawsuits, outright hostilities and vandalism, I learned first hand that us Americans are on a mission to be master complainers, and often prove not to be good neighbors and peaceful people. But tree trimming does not always have to be radical and disfiguring to the natural form and beauty of the trees. I have spent my life, as did my father before me, offering moderate, aesthetical and tree friendly alternatives to radical topping and removals. And now there is a whole new movement of training and certification of arborists in Thailand, through the Thai Arboriculture Association (TAA, on Facebook). And there are now tree services with certified arborist tree workers who are capable of safe and professional workmanship, and aesthetic pruning. So we are no longer limited to hiring the local hack, and living with the consequences.

I understand. Its true that sometimes the situation is such that you are faced with choosing the lesser of evils due to poor original planning for mature tree size. You may be stuck with either tree mutilation or clear cutting. But for others who may be planning and planting their landscapes, its a good heads-up to always consider the eventual size of the trees you are considering. Get informed and choose wisely.

Look for a slow release COF (complete organic fertilizer) with NPK values under 10%. I'm all for soil testing, but for a single tree or two or three it may not be cost effective. A general purpose soil improvement approach would be my choice. If you have planted an orchard, then yes, hire BGS (Best Garden State) and pay the approx 5000 baht for a comprehensive soil analysis. Its well worth it to get it right. Since you are posting this on the Organic subforum, I will assume that you may be interested in the organic and regenerative ag approach, and not wanting to get into the endless chemical dependancy with higher and higher need for high salts fertilizer and pesticide use. Harsh chemistry suppresses benefical biology which is all-important in building resistance to pests and diseases, like mites that vector fig mosaic virus. Attached photos is what I use. The Totto bokashi is EM-inoculated and pre-digested mineral and biological amendments, so not as harsh as some other products. The Bat Guano fertilizer product is mostly composted chicken manure with some bat guano. Plus I would apply a good quality compost, like the excellent vermicompost produced by Biosurge Thailand Organic Fertilizer Worm Winner Vermicompost from Thailand (biosurgethailand.com) This product is also distributed by Best Garden State (on FB), which also carries their own COF products, like their 444 general purpose. Spread the COF over the root zone, well past the 'dripline' (foliar canopy spread), Mulch on top of that with the compost. Any tillage should be very light surface raking and not deeply disturbing to the lateral root zone. If you have a number of trees or an orchard, then seriously consider mixed species cover cropping. This is one of the best things you can do for soil and plant health. Good water management is vital through the dry season. Think once or twice a week deep watering for young trees. Avoid daily watering or drip emitters on a frequent schedule. As your soil organic matter, biology and root fungal associations improve, the trees will become more drought tolerant and you can adust the deep watering to a less frequent schedule. Untill your soil building and tree resistance to pests and diseases is fortified (a couple of years), consider preventive spraying with botanical arthropod pest repellent, like Azadirachtin concentrate from neem seed oil extract. (Thai Neem on FB and Lazada).

I had cataract lens replacement surgery a month ago in Chiang Mai. SriPhat Hosp OPD Ophthamology Clinic, Dr Atitaya, a sharp young CMU med school grad. She also works at Bangkok Hosp in Chiang Mai. The cost was about 47,000 baht total, (monofocal IOL, multifocal is 80,000). There was no waiting time, I scheduled the surgery for one week after my initial exam. Its an easy, painless, out-patient surgery with local anesthetic only, that takes less than a half hour. Dressing is removed the next day and there is a noticable improvement in vision immediately. There is some recovery and adjustment time, a month later I have mild double vision that is supposed to clear with time. I plan to schedule the second eye with the same doctor. I really like Rutnin Eye Hospital in Bangkok and Dr Jutarat there, but the quote was much more. Rutnin: The estimated cost of the cataract surgery only as follows: 1) Monofocal lens is approximately THB 80,000-90,000* per eye 2) Toric lens (for astigmatism) is approximately THB 110,000-120,000* per eye 3) Multifocal lens is approximately THB 120,000 – 130,000* per eye The estimated cost of a preoperative examination is THB3,000-5,000*. The cost of RT-PCR for COVID-19 is THB3,000*.

I'm sorry to hear that. 'Chopping them back' violates best management practices and destroys natural form and beauty. 'They grow back so quickly' because its a natural vigorous growth response to the loss of foliage and capacity for essential photosythesis of sugars to support life of the tree. Moderate crown reduction, size and safety managment can be achieved with proper pruning practices, while maintaining BMPs for tree health and structural integrity. Why Topping Hurts Trees (2018_05_25 14_55_25 UTC).pdf Why Topping Hurts Trees_thai (2018_05_25 14_55_25 UTC).pdf

Hear! Hear!

In my opinion there is some very misleading information in the replies here. Its always best to positively identify a pest, and then determine the entry route and method, fly in, crawl in. Small red biting insects may be ants. If so, it may be possible to DIY with a simple tracking of the ant trail and spot spraying with Chaindrite Crack and Crevice (cypermethrin and bifentrin, low toxicity for mammals) or with a boric acid bait (organic program compatible). Did the pest control company disclose the pest ID and what they were proposing to do for treatment? If not, get another assessment/estimate. I interviewed and scrutinized CNX Pest Control in Chiang Mai several years ago for a friend's termite control project. If its the same owner, he was an informed, trained, and certified pest control applicator who gave what seemed like a fair estimate for a fully disclosed appropriate treatment.

And do you know this intoxicating fragrant flowering tree, in full bloom for the last two months or so, all over Chiang Mai, widely planted in road median strips, like along the 1001 between Raum Chok and Mae Jo. ปีบ pip (Central) Sounds more like ton peep or beep. Millingtonia hortensis species page - THAILAND NATURE PROJECT Last week I saw the largest specimen I've seen, at the admin bldg on the McKean hospital property in Chiang Mai.

Flowers don't lie - better for ID if present.

ตีนเป็ด tin pet Alstonia scholaris species page - THAILAND NATURE PROJECT Alstonia scholaris - Wikipedia

If qualified (5 yrs etc) send the attached form to the FBU US Embassy Manila in order to get her on record. I don't know how it plays out of course, as I'm still kickin', but she would need your death certificate and all other appropriate documentation. And probably a lot of patience and determination, and maybe some help from an attorney or beaurocracy-literate friend. SSA-21 (2).pdf

Thats guess work. May help, may be detrimental. High NPK ferts kills beneficial soil biology, which is the most important aspect of soil and plant health.

Correction: Calcium oxide is CaO.