The Atlanta Orchid Society Bulletin

Affiliated with the American Orchid Society, the Orchid Digest Corporation and the Mid-America Orchid Congress 2001 Recipient of the American Orchid Society’s Distinguished Affiliated Societies Service Award Newsletter Editor: Danny Lentz Society Librarian: Elaine Jacobson

Volume 45: Number 6 www.altantaorchidsociety.org June 2004

JUNE EVENTS The Meeting: 7:00 PM Monday, June 14, 2004, Atlanta Botanical Garden - Day Hall Annual Tour of ABG Greenhouses

Note Change in Meeting Time! The tour of ABG's behind the scene greenhouses by Becky Brinkman will begin at 7 PM and end at 8:15 PM. AtOS's regular meeting will start at 8:30 PM followed by the usual monthly orchid judging and raffle. Please enter your orchids for monthly judging by 8:30 PM. Since the society does not have a speaker for June, you may bring orchids to sell.

The Auction: Sunday, June 20 AtOS's orchid auction will be Sunday, June 20 at the American Legion Post 140 in Chastain Park. Please bring a covered dish by 11:30 a.m. for the buffet that starts at noon. The auction will start at 1PM. Directions are on page 13. A map will be provided at the meeting.

Greengrowers: 10 AM, Saturday, June 26 @ Ben Lyda’s greenhouses Come, see, ask questions. Visiting another grower’s greenhouses and growing areas is always a great way to learn more about the art of growing orchids. If you’re not broke and out of space after the auction, Ben can help you out with some fine selections from his collection. See page 15 for directions.

Inside This Issue Atlanta Orchid Society 2004 Officers…………………………………………..….…………… Page 2 Collector’s Item……Cuitlauzina pendula La Llave & Lexarza……Ron McHatton…..…….. . Page 2 Events Out and About………………Dates for your Calendar…………...……….…….……… Page 3 Minutes of the December Meeting ….Teresa Fuller….…….…...……….………………….… Page 3 The May Exhibition Table (with notes by Ron McHatton)….………………………………..... Page 4 Lessons from the OLD: On slugs, predatory snails and rent-a-duck services...Eduardo Firpo… Page 7 Recent AOS Awards from the Atlanta Judging Center…………………………………………. Page 12 Directions to AtOS Auction…………………………………………………………………….. Page 13 Notes on Jan Szyren’s talk about MSU fertilizer…..David Mellard…………………………… Page 14 Greengrowers Directions, First Quarter Exhibition Table Results, Notices……………………. Page 15

All contents © Atlanta Orchid Society unless otherwise noted. Page 2 www.atlantaorchidsociety.org June 2004

THE ATLANTA ORCHID COLLECTOR’S ITEM SOCIETY Cuitlauzina pendula La Llave & Lexarza Officers President kweet-law-ZEE-nah pend-YOU-lah Evan Dessasau, III Tribe: 2431 Elkhorn Drive Subtribe: Decatur, GA 30034 404-241-4819 Etymology: In honor of Cuitlahuatzin, Aztec horticulturist and Govenor of Iztapalpo Vice-President/Programs David Mellard The Cuitlauzina has but one species, Cuitlazina pendula, a 3409 Regalwoods Drive Doraville, GA 30340 native of western Mexico. This epiphyte, characterized by flattened 770-270-5758 pseudobulbs with two apical , produces pendent from the base of the developing new growth. These are often quite Secretary apparent before the new growth is more than an inch or two in length. Teresa Fuller They emerge from within the lower-most sheathing bract, just barely 2090 Rockdale Circle clearing the bract before turning sharply downward. Once fully Snellville GA 30078 770-972-2634 developed, the inflorescences can be more than 18 inches long and carry 10 or more 5 cm light pink or white on the distal 6-12 Treasurer inches of the . Scott Smith Mature pseudobulbs are laterally compressed, dull gray green to 481 W. Ontario Ave. Atlanta, GA 30310 glossy apple green, about 3 inches tall; and, some wrinkling with age 404-752-6432 is normal. The two apical leaves, up to 12 inches long, are ligulate, leathery and have no obvious petiole. Immediate Past President The occur at moderate elevations making them amenable to Linda Miller intermediate growing conditions with moderate shade although they 135 Pheasant Drive Marietta, GA 30067 do benefit from cooler nights. A slightly drier rest period after the 770-953-2853 growth has matured is also beneficial. A well drained porous medium should be used and the plants are intolerant of stale or soggy Directors conditions at their .

Term Expiring 2004 At various times, this Frank Decaminada Mexican species has (770) 992-8309 been known by its Andrew Dott synonym, 404-256-7858

Term Expiring 2005 pendulum, and is Mark Reinke occasionally still offered 404-622-4872 under that name. Jeff Whitfield 706-675-3583

Term Expiring 2006 Richard Ackerman 770-978-6109 Fred Missbach 404-237-1694

Refreshments

Photo courtesy of Andy’s Orchids Page 3 www.atlantaorchidsociety.org June 2004

Events Out and About MINUTES OF THE MAY MEETING

June The meeting was opened by president Evan Dessassau. The Saturday, 6/5. IPA Meeting at Lines Orchids in minutes were approved as written. Signal Mountain., TN. Contact Roy Harrow for details, 770-434-8059 Scott Smith made an announcement about membership dues. They should be paid to him as soon as possible. Saturday, 6/12. American Orchid Society

monthly judging, Atlanta Center, 2 PM, Atlanta June will be our annual visit to the greenhouse at 7:00PM. Botanical Garden basement workshop. If Becky Brinkman will meet us in Day Hall. entering plants, please try to arrive before 1:30

PM to allow time for research and paperwork. Elaine Jacobson announced that we have a new Italian book Monday, 6/14. Atlanta Orchid Society monthly in the library. meeting, 7:00PM Roy Harrow announced that he will be going to the IPA on Sunday, 6/20. AtOS Auction. Lunch begins at June 5th, anyone wanting to carpool with him is welcome. 11:30AM, the auction begins at 1:00PM Please call him for more information. Saturday, 6/26. Greengrowers at Ben Lyda’s greenhouses. We welcomed two new members.

July Refreshments were served and the raffle was held. Raffle Saturday, 7/10. American Orchid Society plants were donated by Danny Lentz / Dianne Morgan, monthly judging, Atlanta Center, 2 PM, Atlanta Margo Brinton / Eldon Park, Doug Hartong, Helen Weil. Botanical Garden basement workshop. If entering plants, please try to arrive before 1:30 Silent auction went to Reba Heartzfeld. PM to allow time for research and paperwork. Results Of The Show Table Judging were announced by Monday, 7/12. Atlanta Orchid Society monthly David Mellard. Judges were; On team one: Pat Cleveland, meeting, Atlanta Botanical Garden, Day Hall. Ben Lyda, and Richard Hallburg. Team two: David Mellard, Mark Rose from Breckinridge Orchids will talk Marianne Gilmore, and Doug Hartong. about species Paphs. He will be bringing plants for sale. He is currently building a website There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned (http://www.breckinridgeorchids.com), which is after the speaker. expected to be up by June 16. You also can reach Mark by phone at 336-656-7991. The Respectfully Submitted, cutoff date for preorders is July 8. Breckinridge specializes in Phals and Paphs. Teresa Fuller, Secretary

JOIN THE ORCHID DIGEST CORPORATION ORCHID DIGEST DUES INCREASE

Don’t let the name fool you, the Orchid Digest is a non- Orchid Digest dues are being increased due to ever profit membership-based organization dedicated to orchids. Designed to appeal to the mid-range to rising publication and shipping costs. Effective 9/1/04, advanced grower nothing beats the Orchid Digest. For a single year will be $32 and two years will be $60. just $28/year you get 4 issues of full-color, in-depth Anyone who renews prior to the 9/1 cutoff date can articles about orchids. The magazine is large format and still renew at the old rates ($28/$54) regardless of when the fourth issue of the year is always an extra-special issue devoted to a single genus. their subscription ends.

For membership application forms contact David Mellard. Page 4 www.atlantaorchidsociety.org June 2004

MAY 2004 EXHIBITION TABLE AWARDS with notes by Ron McHatton

CLASS 1: ALLIANCE Blue Pot. David Tomassini Collier/Reinke Red Lc. Ann Akagi 'H & R', HCC/AOS Coombs White Broughtonia (Laeliopsis) domingensis Collier/Reinke White Slc. Fire Lighter Collier/Reinke

Potinara David Tomassini : This grex is a cross of Lc. Brilliant Orange and Pot. Free Spirit. The latter parent is 50% Sc. Beaufort and its hard to overcome the dominance of Pot. Free Spirit for the production of small to mid-sized yellows that look almost identical to the parent. In this Pot. David Tomassini case, Lc. Brilliant Orange is a complex hybrid involving predominantly all unifoliate Cattleya species with Laelia harpophylla and Laelia cinnabarina in the fourth generation back as the source of orange color. These species are dominant for count and color except when paired against Sophronitis coccinea. On the one side a fairly large plant, moderate flower size and numerous flowers per inflorescence and on the other side a small plant with one or two flowers. The result…..a slightly larger plant with one or two flowers slightly larger than Pot. Free Spirit with almost exactly the same color pattern.

Broughtonia domingensis : This is one of those plants that seems to change name with regular frequency. The problem here is what to do with the genus Laeliopsis. Current thinking, apparently based on molecular phylogeny, has dissolved the genus and returned this species to Broughtonia. In any case, this pretty species is endemic to the Hispaniola and Mona Island, a small island off the eastern coast of Puerto Rico. As with other closely related Caribbean species very warm temperatures and typically very bright light are requisites to good culture.

CLASS 2: CYMBIDIUM : No entries

CLASS 3: DENDROBIUM Blue Den. unicum Lentz/Morgan Red Den. unicum Hansen White Den. Haleahi Nymph Lentz/Morgan

Dendrobium unicum : This is a good point to draw attention to the problem of nomenclature with plants labeled as Dendrobium unicum. For a fair length of time we have been seeing in Den. unicum cultivation plants with two distinct growth habits both called Dendrobium unicum (and to add to the confusion, Dendrobium arachnites and Dendrobium seidenfadenii). The first of these, having short upright pseudobulbs and quite intense orange flowers and the other with more cane-like, longer and often semi- pendulous pseudobulbs, and somewhat smaller, lighter flowers. The current thinking now considers them to be two species. One of them, found from India through Myanmar to Thailand is Dendrobium dickasonii and the other, found from Thailand through Laos to Vietnam is Dendrobium unicum. To accurately tell them apart requires a competent taxonomist.

CLASS 4: EPIDENDRUM Blue Vaughnara Grapelade 'H & R' Collier/Reinke Red Bardendrum Nanboh Pixy 'Cherry Moon’ Collier/Reinke White Epi. Nursery Rhyme Collier/Reinke

Vaughnara Grapelade ‘H&R’ This grex is Bepi. Phoenix x C. schilleriana. The first parent is Brassavola nodosa x Encyclia phoenicea (registered using Epidendrum phoeniceum but nonetheless an Encyclia). You Vaughnara Grapelade can spot a Brassavola nodosa hybrid from a mile away. I would venture a guess without seeing ‘H&R’ the plant that without flowers it might actually pass as a very robust example of the species. In this hybrid, some of the beautiful veining of the lip from C. schilleriana has come through but the flowers are almost entirely dominated in form by B. nodosa and in color from the Enc. phoenicea grandparent. It’s unfortunate that Enc. phoenicea doesn’t more strongly influence flower count in its intergeneric hybrids. Page 5 www.atlantaorchidsociety.org June 2004

CLASS 5: ALLIANCE Blue Onc. phymatochilum 'Easter Cloud' Lyda Blue Rex 'Sakata', AM/AOS Rinn Red Onc. (Sniffen x Kitty Crocker) Brinton/Park White Mtdm. Issaku Nagata Rinn 'Volcano Queen', HCC/AOS

Miltonia phymatochila : This was entered under the name Oncidium phymatochilum but, evidently based on molecular phylogeny, has Brassia Rex ‘Sakata’ Onc. phymatochilum been moved to the genus . Perhaps we would all be better off if we simply removed all our species labels and waited about 10 AM/AOS years to put them back! There has historically been some issue with this species as it is reported to occur in Mexico, Guatemala, and ; a rather unusual distribution for a single species. The flowers of these two groups are very similar while the growth habits of the two are quite dissimilar. This transfer may only involve those plants called Onc. phymatochilum originating in Brazil and handle those from Mexico and Guatemala as something else but that will take more research.

CLASS 6: CYPRIPEDIUM ALLIANCE Blue Paph Memoria Albert Eickhoff Mellard/Marino Red Paph. druryii Brinton/Park Red Paph. Vanda M. Pearman Lentz/Morgan White Paph. (liemianum x victoria-reginae) Lentz/Morgan Blue Phrag. Geralda Brinton/Park Red Phrag. Schroderae Brinton/Park White Phrag. Mountain Maid Brannon

Paph. Memoria Albert Blue Cyp. pubescens Mellard/Marino Eickhoff Red Cyp. acaule Mellard/Marino

Phragmipedium Geralda : Phrag. lindleyanum is recessive for shape in most of its hybrids while exerting a dominant influence to darken purple and brown pigmentation. This is the source of the deep purple Phrag. Geralda color in most Phrag. Sorcerer’s Apprentice clones. Here we see it again in this cross involving Phrag. caudatum. In addition to the deep, rich color saturation, Phrag. lindleyanum has also improved the and dorsal presentation in the resulting flower.

Paphiopedilum Memoria Albert Eickhoff : I would love to know how many flowers this plant had since its difficult to tell from the photograph. One of the complaints of most Paph. Cyp. pubescens kolopakingii hybrids is that the flower count is almost never what the species is capable of producing (there are reported clones with 15 flowers/inflorescence). In addition, Paph. kolopakingii tends to carry its inflorescence in almost a horizontal fashion with the flowers sort of facing downward requiring careful staking of the developing inflorescence. That appears to be the case here as well. This particular clone looks to have excellent color saturation.

Cypripedium parviflorum var. pubescens : A great deal of confusion has existed over the years with the taxonomic treatment of the North American yellow Ladyslippers. At various times they have been all lumped under the name Cypripedium calceolus, now considered to be strictly European, or Cypripedium pubescens. Currently, the latter is now considered to be one of two distinct varietal forms of a single, widespread species Cypripedium parviflorum. The two forms, var. pubescens and var. parviflorum are usually distinguished based on the size of the flowers and the intensity of color in the and ; the small dark form being var. parviflorum (although small dark clones of var. pubescens do exist).

Page 6 www.atlantaorchidsociety.org June 2004

CLASS 7: PHALAENOPSIS ALLIANCE Blue Phal. Penang Girl Grzesik Red Phal. Baldan's Kaleidoscope 'Orchid Heights' AM/AOS Brinton/Park White Phal. Bright Peacock 'Sweet Fragrance' Grzesik White Phal. (Golden Circles x John’s Gold) Brinton/Park

Phal. Penang Girl

CLASS 8: VANDACEOUS ALLIANCE Blue Ascf. Cherry Blossom 'Apricot' Brinton/Park Red Renanthera Tom Thumb Collier/Reinke

Ascofinetia Cherry Blossom : This is an unusual orange clone of this hybrid. The typical clones are either nearly white or various shades of light mauve. It would be interesting to know which of the Ascocentrum ampullaceum varietal forms was used to make the hybrid. It is possible that this one involved the orange form of this species which would explain its orange color. Ascf. Cherry Blossom ‘Apricot’

CLASS 9: MISCELLANEOUS OTHER GENERA Blue Dactylorhiza purpurella Mellard/Marino Red Gongora truncata Collier/Reinke White Bulb. saurocephalum Whitfield Blue Bulb. A-doribil Surprise 'Stiff Wind' (AM/AOS 5/8/04) Rinn Red Bulb. Lovely Elizabeth Lyda White Masd. Dean Haas Brinton/Park Dactylorhiza purpurella Dactylorhiza purpurella : David…. Please write an article about the cultivation of these plants. The generic name refers to the finger-like tubers of this genus. Currently 22 species are recognized distributed from Europe, through the Middle-east, into Northern China and across to Alaska. The of this genus is complicated by the fact that many species freely interbreed and slight habitat changes may often favor the hybrid swarm over the species. Nonetheless they are exceptionally beautiful terrestrials that, years ago, could be found in large colonies over much of Europe.

Bulbophyllum A-doribil Surprise ‘Stiff Wind’, AM/AOS : Bulbophyllum trigonosepalum is one of those Bulbophyllum species that is turning out to be exceptionally dominant in its hybrids. In this case, the resulting flowers are somewhat flatter than the species and somewhat larger but Bulb. A-doribil Surprise otherwise indistinguishable from it. ‘Stiff Wind’ AM/AOS Thanks to Bill White and Reba Herzfeld for providing pictures from the May show table. Page 7 www.atlantaorchidsociety.org June 2004

Lessons From the Orchid List Digest (OLD) : On slugs, predatory snails and rent-a-duck services © Eduardo J. Firpo, Ph.D. Biology

Special thanks to Willis Dair for creating and the wax layer on the bug's surface, leaving it to die maintaining the OLD* and to all the OLDers who from dehydration[25]. contributed to this article with their personal A member of the San Francisco Orchid Society, observations. By no means the compiled material is Assana Fard, agreed with the use of DE to control intended to be used as a judgment on other slugs. The product, Celatom Diatomite (a chemically people's practices. It has the only objective of treated, swimming pool filter grade DE), was pointing out the challenges every orchid grower has suggested to her by someone at OSH (Orchard to face and the different solutions they are able to Hardware Supply) to control slug infestations: "It's develop to make their orchids grow and bloom. worked great for me and my neighbors. We've been using it for the last couple of months. We just [*] For a description of this and other orchid chat sprinkle the powder (wearing gloves) over the sites on the Internet, see: "Orchids Online" by Greg flowerbeds and flowers and it's good till it gets all Allikas, in the AOS magazine Orchids, January washed away (about a few weeks) and then we 1997, p. 32-38. reapply". However, she recommended a combination of methods to get a more effective Introduction control: "I've come to the conclusion that no one Scott Strain (alias Daffy Duck) sent this message to method works all the way all the time. I use the beer OLD: "Help-Slug Attack! I am having a severe slug method (see below) periodically and the invasion. Anyone know a good way to get rid of combination of the two has saved all my plants [14]". them? I grow my orchids in lava rock so the slimy Other materials with similar dehydrating properties balls hide down in the rock. So far, they are only as the DE -like wood ashes and gypsum- also seem eating the Phal. leaves but they hide out in any of to dissuade slugs from crossing an area sprinkled the pots (Dendrobium, Vanda, Oncidium, etc.). I with them[19]. have tried some commercial slug bait but it does not seem to be of much help [ 1]". 2. Slug Pubs This note compiles the seventeen responses Setting out shallow pans filled with stale beer or any received in OLD from May 24 to June 13, 1997, to fermenting liquid for this matter (yeast and water, this "orchids in distress" call. Responses given spoiled yogurt), buried with the lip flush with the soil similar "extermination techniques" were placed surface, is one of the oldest methods of protecting together to facilitate the judgments between them. plants from slugs. They cannot resist the scent and Then, answers are not necessarily listed in the order they will be found drowned the next morning. The they were sent to OLD. Also, different parts of one beer method is the "die happy" slug solution entry may be cited under various subjects of this suggested by Jessica who wrote: "I have heard, but note, depending on its contents. A few entries have never tried, that uttering out dishes of beer works been selected to prepare the Remarks section at great. The slugs are supposedly unable to resist the the end of this article giving instructions on how to scent and end up drowing in it. If you try it , please, take care personally of the slugs . let me know if it works since it seems nicer than Let's now take a look at the slug control methods chemicals [ 3]". Sandra, the "Elegant Bee", answered sent by these OLDers. Jessica's question: "Yes, putting out little dishes of beer does help get rid of slugs. You have to set them into the earth, or low enough so the slugs can OLDer's Methods to Combat Slugs get into them easily. Sprinkling salt on them also

destroys them quickly, they dehydrate immediately 1. Diatomaceous earth (DE) (not a pretty sight) but it works [4]". From Lauderhill, Florida, Sal Cherch sent the first

response on how to deal with the slug problem: "Try 3. Mechanical Barriers sprinkling some DE on the plants and around the Donna M. Ullian, now a member of the Triangle growing area. It was recommended to me and Orchid Society, North Carolina, but still with many worked[2]". Natural grades of DE are made of the fond memories of her old orchid society in Atlanta, fossilized remains of one-celled algae, known as suggested: "I recently was at Chadwick and Son diatoms, that were common inhabitants of Orchids, outside Richmond, Virginia. Art uses all prehistoric seas several million years ago. It looks "natural pesticides" in his greenhouses. He came up and feels like a fine talcum powder, but to an insect with a solution to slugs ... copper flashing. Secure it is a lethal dust that both scratches and absorbs Page 8 www.atlantaorchidsociety.org June 2004

copper flashing to your benches (bottom of upper the beer method should work, which is explained in ledge). It works, he swears the slugs do not like Remarks. copper. They crawl up and do an about-face when them come up to the copper flashing. One 5. Metaldehyde drawback: it is a bit expensive but your collection is "Unfortunately, the only effective control that I have worth more! I use it on my benches and I do not seen is metaldehyde [8]". This observation, first have a slug problem [6]". A similar approach is also made by Eric Muehlbauer while criticizing some of indicated by Charles Sowle Price, Plant Chair of the other methods (see Critics), soon received more Northern Nevada Orchid Society: "I have wrapped support: the legs of my wood benches with bare copper wire. a) From Willis Dair: "I would have to agree. I like No more slugs! [5]". Deadline and Deadline type products. They are J.L. Spitzer was experimenting with the liquid metaldehyde. We use it all over the garden effectiveness of mechanical barriers: "One [10]". experiment involves copper tape around the edges b) From Alan Rossing, newsletter editor of the of the pots, another has copper pennies stuck to the Carmel Orchid Society: "I have found the best is pot rims, and the third has all the pots that are Deadline or its equivalent. Cut up a sheet of writing outside sitting on racks of stumps covered with paper into 2" squares and apply a small amount of heavy duty aluminum foil. So far, no signs of slug Deadline to the paper. Then, place these around the damage, in spite of our very wet weather [18]". She pots on the bench and on top of the mix. It will dry also tried thin copper foil (the one that comes in rolls out but still be effective, plus every time you water from stained glass supplies) and wrapped it around the Deadline is reactivated just when the critters are the edges of her pots: "Result: all of the untreated coming out. If you can find paper that they like to pots were invaded at one time or another, usually eat, even better, as that will attract them [11]". after every rainstorm, by slugs. But NONE of the c) From Troy C. Meyers, living in Poulsbo, treated pots were bothered at all [24]". Washington: "Like Eric Muehlbauer and Willis Dair, Copper is very toxic to slugs and snails. Some the only really successful slug control that I have studies indicated that copper is effective because found is the liquid metaldehyde such as Deadline. I slugs and snails actually get an electric shock when do use liquid metaldehyde in "traps" in my they touch it. It's theorized that the slug's slimy greenhouse, which are covered trays with open coating interacts chemically with the copper, sides, allowing slug passage but not dilution of the creating an electric current. To securely protect bait by falling water [9]". Troy, who lives near woods plants on greenhouse benches by placing copper in the Evergreen State, also contributed with a strips around bench legs, be sure that the benches personalized way to eliminate slugs from his don't touch the greenhouse wall or glazing. Securing surroundings but, unfortunately, he's never yet won strips of copper as a permanent edging for a battle against them (See Remarks). greenhouse tables is an effective but expensive way d) From Harry Tolen, newsletter editor of the San to keep slugs at bay [25]. Diego County Orchid Society: "Best all around slug Aluminum sheets, bent in U-shapes with the arms and snail bait is metaldehyde granules. Looks like of the U "large enough", are, purportedly, a good sand, strength is 7.5% and it works! After the remedy since slugs may not crawl the horizontal second distribution you will not have a slug or snail overheads of this barrier [19]. problem. I get it from the local wholesale nursery supply [12]". Harry, with the experience of managing 4. Heat Method large collections of different orchid species for many For those who grow organic, like Bod Dudley from years, also explained why the beer method didn't Lehigh Valley, Philadelphia, getting rid of slugs work for him: "I also have been told about putting without employing commercial slug baits is very out saucers of stale beer to attract and drown slugs. hard. He prefers potting material that has been It will also drown roaches who have the habit! But, I steam treated or, since it is difficult to find this never have had any beer go stale around here so material nowadays, he sterilizes small batches of have never been able to try". medium at a time (Caution: it does smell!). He e) From Kay Little: "Tried the beer, tried the bait and recommended to Scott this solution: "Slug and nothing worked, especially in the Phals. OFE (a snails eggs are in the potting material and these USA horticultural supply company - Ed.) suggested materials should be heat treated to kill the eggs. Slug-Fest. It's a liquid concentrate that's fairly The plants and pots should be inspected every time expensive, however, it works! I haven't seen a slug they are watered and if there is a suspicion of snail or snail anywhere [13]". and slug damage the plant should be unpotted [7]". Bob also indicated another "interpretation" on how Page 9 www.atlantaorchidsociety.org June 2004

6. Cupric Hydroxide of slugs and snails and, as an added bonus, the The original entry sent by Charles Sowle Price, eggs are pretty good also. The only problem is that Northern Nevada Orchid Society, also indicated this one needs to have an area that can be fenced off other product to combat slugs: "I have had good as, otherwise, the ducks tend to disappear. Also, I luck with Kocide 101 (Cupric Hydroxide) available don't know how they would go if you grow in a from Hummert International or E.C. Geiger (USA basement. Of course, in that case you may not have suppliers - Ed.)[5]". any problems. Friends of mine grew something like 5000 cymbids as well as other genera and after 7. Predatory Snails putting in the ducks they never had any more Predatory decollate snails (Rumina decollata) have problems. By the way, the plants were all on a varied menu to choose from: brown garden snails benches but the ducks did not attack the plants at (bush snails), common slugs, decaying vegetable all. Try it, you may like it, and it also gives the ducks matter, and, if those food sources are scarce, living a chance [15]". seedlings and transplants. Therefore, there is a Max's suggestion received the support of Manfred potential risk that these snails may become a Schmucker, newsletter editor of the Vienna Orchid serious pest in their own right, particularly, because Society, Austria. He sent this entry based on his there are no natural predators that eat them. These personal observations of some of the ducks in a snails are used very successfully in commercial friend's garden: "I can only support the message of citrus groves in California where they do no harm to Max Redman on the Indian Runner ducks. A friend established and provide excellent control of here in Austria has some of them in his garden and the brown snails[25]. Brown snails, although no more slugs since then! They are outside all year commonly not a serious pest for orchids since they round, even in snow and frost. They have a little feed mostly on algae and mosses, they are difficult dog-house as a home and a submerged old bathtub to eradicate. They are not attracted to slug bait and as a pool and receive in the winter time some metaldehyde liquid products do not seem to affect additional food (no slugs). Highly recommended them. Predatory snails might be an effective way to [16]". control them and, as a bonus, common slugs may An upgrade in the use of ducks to control the slug also be included as part of their normal diet. population was also contributed by Manfred: "The A commercial supplier in Montana, Planet Natural, interesting thing is that this summer the concept of offers decollate snails to control slugs and common slug control by ducks went out of hiding and the first garden snails. Eric Muehlbauer decided to try them rent-a-duck service by breeders has appeared in to protect his orchids from slugs and he provided us Northern Austria. The method for duck renting with some information in this sense: "According to described (from newspaper features and personal the catalog, they can eventually achieve 100% communications) is as follows: for an amount of reduction of pest snails (bush snails) and 50% approx. US$10 per week you can rent a pair of reduction of slugs. I would assume that the lower ducks, including safety cage and some corn fodder. percentage for slugs is based on size. These snails One to two weeks is recommended to get the slug (Rumina decollata) are about 3/4 inch, none more population down. The safety cage is provided to than 1 inch. I would assume that they must do a protect the animals during travel and, mainly, during good job on small slugs, but are unable to eat large the night from stray cats, minks and other slugs. The snails follow the slime trails produced by predatory-minded animals in the neighborhood. As their prey, track them down and eat them. It's too far as I know, the customer has to fetch and bring soon for me to be talking from experience. All my back the ducks. So far, I have not talked to anybody information has come second hand, from the who has actually tried the service. I only know one catalogue. By the way, these snails are banned in owner, a friend in Tyrol, who has been happy with parts of California, and perhaps other areas of the them for more than two years [21]". West coast, as they are considered a threat to native species[20]". Critics

8. Ducks and Rent-a-Duck Services Voices of discontents with the effectiveness showed The initial entry recommending ducks to control by some of the above methods soon appeared: slugs came from Max Redman, living in Sydney, the city of the 2000 Olympics, and it was as follows: 1. "I have yet to find an organic method of slug "There is one thing that I have not seen anyone control that actually works. I have always tried beer mention and, believe me, it really works. A couple of traps in the garden (Why waste good beer? Yeast Indian Runner ducks! Don't laugh! A couple or more and water will do the same job). I find plenty of slugs ducks running around will completely clear the place dead in the beer, and plenty more alive and well Page 10 www.atlantaorchidsociety.org June 2004

beneath the container. And lots more alive and well 5. The feasibility of the "Duck method" was and very well fed on the plants they stopped to challenged by Colin Hamilton, Publications Director munch on along the way! As for DE, it is totally of Orchids Australia. His main concerns were how useless. I have seen slugs completely devour to keep the ducks between the boundaries of your lettuce and pepper plants that were literally dusted greenhouse and what to do with their "messy all over with it, and before rain or watering washed it deposits" around the place[17]. According to Max away. It doesn't seem to work on insects, either. I Redman, one way to deal with preventing the ducks had a student do an experiment using DE on both flying away from the area is by clipping their wings crickets and mealworms. Neither group, or having them in an enclosed orchid house. The experimental or control, had any fatalities[8]". most difficult part is to train them to do their job under the benches and not in the paths: "Apart from 2. "Beer does indeed attract and drown some slugs, that, snails and slugs are gone, weeds are being but I'm afraid many just slide home crooked. Copper kept down under the benches, and the eggs taste wire and foil tends to repel slugs, but they are very wonderful [22]". clever about finding alternate routes, and some "stomach" actual contact with it, seemingly knowing Discussion that temporary discomfort is worth the goal. Furthermore, barriers such as copper will keep a Going through all the answers it is very difficult to slug in as well as out, so they may be inclined to pick one as the best solution. All have their pros and take up residence in a pot [9]". cons. Commercial baits (granules/pellets) or liquid products -like Deadline - containing metaldehyde 3. "I've tried the beer and I don't find it effective on received the highest scores in effectiveness by my slugs. Have used slug baits, metaldehyde and some OLDers. The dark side of this approach is the pelleted stuff, with minimal effectiveness -it gets risk of toxicity by accidental ingestion in domestic stale, washes away, etc- [18]". animals and, likely, an environmental concern too, when these products are used in large, open areas. 4. The main concern for the use of "slug killers" When they are applied inside greenhouses and in a containing metaldehyde is the risk of toxicity controlled way - like spraying Deadline on small produced by accidental ingestion of this pesticide in pieces of paper, on top of the compost in potted domestic pets and, as the next entry explains, for orchids, or placing it inside a specially designed wildlife animals too. Lets take a look at Troy C. trap- the potential for risks is greatly reduced. Meyers observation: "I do use liquid metaldehyde in For those reluctant to use chemical products, a "traps" in my greenhouse, which are covered trays combination of two different techniques used with open sides, allowing slug passage but not periodically seems to offer a good level of protection dilution of the bait by falling water. The traps also -in example, the beer method and DE-. Still, there is keep dogs and cats from getting the bait, which an additional option open: the use of "biological smells good to them but is very, very toxic. I heard a weapons". In these battles, one species is against report on the news recently that stated that the last another species. In this scenario, our hopes are that year over 500 dogs were poisoned in the Seattle the good guys, which in theory will swiftly eliminate area by metaldehyde. Until recently, I used the the bad guys, will not develop themselves as future "traps" in the outdoor areas, but I had to quit. It is "enemies". However, except for the idea of using true that the traps prevent dogs and cats from ducks as a slug control measure -very efficient getting into the bait, but usually the slugs, after although not necessarily a "clean" method-, other eating their fill of bait, crawl out and lose muscular biological control approaches deserve a careful and control near the traps. Also, the ones that die in and very attentive look. Predatory snails could be an out of the traps are consumed by maggots, beetle elegant way to reduce the slug population, but there larvae, sow bugs, and earwigs. With shock one day is some concern about how safe they could be for I saw a robin and a varied thrush eating both the the environment. maimed slugs and some of the other invertebrates just named. These birds were collecting food for Conclusion their nestlings. I don't have much of a slug problem in the greenhouse, and only occasional trap-baiting Scott Strain, who started the "slug attack" thread in eliminates any that sneak in. The slug corpses in OLD, pointed out that "my greenhouse now is slug the greenhouse don't seem to be devoured by the free". He attributed this success to the use of other critters, so I still feel comfortable using it there Deadline, a liquid product containing metaldehyde. [9]". The product was put in the clay pots (a circle around plants) where slug infestation was suspected. Page 11 www.atlantaorchidsociety.org June 2004

Metaldehyde in granules presented a few wonders if you can find them and I really liked Troy's inconvenients: "I managed to kill a few of my method of shish kebab sticks [15]". orchids as well as the slugs because it would clog up the pot in the lava rock and drown the roots. References Sprinkling the granules on the bench didn't do much since the slugs were living in the pots down among Orchid ListDigest: the lava rocks[23]". [1] Daffy Duck v1047 #14700; [2] Sal Cherch, v1050 # 14751; Remarks [3] Jessica v1051 # 14774; [4] ElegantBee, v1054 #14829; These personal solutions to the slug problem [5] Charles Sowle Price, v1052 #14785; deserve being considered in their own class. I left to [6] PrimaD22, v1057 # 14890; the readers the judgment regarding efficacy and [7] Bob Dudley, v1052 #14791; practicality: [8] Eric Muehlbauer, v1053 # 14810; [9] Troy C. Meyers, v1057 # 14889;

[10] Willis Dair, v1053, # 14810 footnote; Bob Dudley's crushing technique: "I have always [11] Alanrr, v1057 #14882; had problems with slugs in my garden and I have [12] Harry Tolen, v 1056 # 14867; tried the beer trick many times with little success. [13] Kay, v1053 # 14814; Then, one day I discovered the trick. You need [14] Assana Fard, v1057 #14886; some rubber gloves. First, you consume the beer. [15] Max Redman, v1061, # 14956; Several bottles of beer, in fact. After consuming the [16] Manfred Schmucker, v1065, # 15013; beer, you put the gloves on, hunt down the little [17] Colin Hamilton, v1064, #15009; beasts and crush them between your fingers! [7]". [18] J.L. Spitzer, v1056, #14877. Private email: Troy Meyers' skewering: "Outdoors, to be kinder [19] 08/29/'97 Manfred Schmucker; to our wildlife, I have been using a labor intensive, [20] 08/31/'97, 09/01/'97 Eric Muehlbauer; fairly disgusting method to battle the slugs. In my [21] 08/27-28/'97 Manfred Schmucker; forest, there is one native slug (commonly called a [22] 08/27/97 Max Redman; "banana slug") that doesn't do much damage to [23] 09/04/97 Scott Strain; plants; it feeds mostly on detritus. The other slugs, [24] 09/08/'97 J.L. Spitzer. all imports, vastly outnumber the native slug. The Other sources: imports have a "nasty" habit of eating each other, [25] Rodale's Chemical-Free Yard and Garden, 1991. regardless of species. Generally, this cannibalism (not necessarily the right word in all cases) only Comments? [email protected] occurs when a slug has been maimed. But, as soon as a slug is in distress, others troop over and devour it. This behavior is probably really an excellent survival tactic because the slug-victim has spent hours and days collecting its food, and all that [ Editor’s Note: Roy Harrow made the following can be had in a few minutes by the eaters. comments after reading the article: Unfortunately for the slugs, it is an opportunity for “I use the metaldehyde granular material sold at me to wreak mass destruction. If I wound one slug Lines and it works just fine for me. I've always (avoiding the natives), its distressed scent becomes assumed that there will be 5% that don't find the bait a powerful attractant and, at least, five show up and some new ones that crawl in from the outside. It soon to eat it. I then skewer them also, and another just needs to be applied correctly, AFTER twenty show up. The skewering continues until I WATERING, and realize that the next time you can't stand it any more. The battle is never won by water you have ruined the last bait you put out. I me, but the reduction in plant damage does seems also have bait plants (amaryllis flowers) that let me to be noticeable[9]". know when I need to do something before they begin to do apparent damage to the orchids… Max Redman's "big foot" solution: "I have been Remember to keep the run-off from the copper following the writings on the problem with slugs and away from the bromeliads / tillandsias. I was told snails with some interest and also, I must admit, a that they are very susceptible to its effects.” ] little laughter at times. They are nasty little things and no matter what you try there will be some that will normally escape. A size ten boot will work

Page 12 www.atlantaorchidsociety.org June 2004

RECENT ACTIVITIES OF THE ATLANTA JUDGING CENTER The following awards were granted at the April session of the AOS Atlanta Judging Center. They are provisional awards pending official publication in the Awards Quarterly. Certificates of Horticultural Merit and Certificates of Botanical Recognition are also provisional pending identification by an AOS certified taxonomist prior to publication of the award.

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Blc. Husky Boy ‘Romeo’ C. forbesii ‘Panther Creek II’ HCC 77 pts HCC 76 pts Exhibitor: Barney & Aileen Garrison Exhibitor: Barney & Aileen Garrison

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Max. callichroma ‘Ramona Lee’ C. skinneri var. oculta ‘Alaine’ CHM 83 pts (provisional) AM 81 pts Exhibitor: Fred Missbach Exhibitor: Carter & Holmes Orchids

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Phrag. Jason Fischer ‘Casey Elizabeth’ Paph. philippinense ‘Orchidland’ AM 87 pts HCC 79 pts Exhibitor: Carter & Holmes Orchids Exhibitor: Peach State Orchids

Page 13 www.atlantaorchidsociety.org June 2004

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Den. Vintner’s Reserve ‘Ramona Lee’ AM 80 pts Exhibitor: Fred Missbach

Onc. Memoria Bill Carter ‘Mary Ellen’ AM 84 pts Exhibitor: Carter & Holmes Orchids

Directions to the Auction:

We hold our Auction at Post 140 of the American Legion. This meeting hall is on the immediate southern edge of Chastain Memorial Park at 3905 Powers Ferry Road.

From GA 400 South: South to the Buckhead loop. Take the loop to Piedmont Rd and go north. Turn right on Roswell Rd. The first left will be Powers Ferry Rd. Turn left. Watch on your right just as you get to the park. The driveway is difficult to spot.

From I75: Take I75 to I285 to Roswell Rd. Go south (inside the Perimeter) to Powers Ferry Rd. Turn right. Watch for the driveway on your right at the south end of Chastain Park.

From I85, take Piedmont Rd north to Roswell Rd. Turn right on Roswell Rd. The first left will be Powers Ferry Rd. Turn left and take Powers Ferry toward Chastain Park. Look for the American Legion driveway on your right just as you see the park.

If you haven’t been to our auction before, this event is always a lot of fun. Lunch (pot luck, bring a dish to pass) is at 11:30 and the bidding begins at 1PM. There are always good bargains on great plants. See you ALL there!!

Page 14 www.atlantaorchidsociety.org June 2004

Notes from Jan Szyren’s Talk About the MSU Fertilizer by David Mellard

What follows are some of my notes on Jan Szyren’s talk 8. Use a fish emulsion fertilizer once a year. about the MSU fertilizer with some added explanations and pointers by me, usually as “Note”. 9. For Paphs and Pleurothallids, do not increase the ppm level of fertilizer. For other orchids that are “heavy” 1. Plants, including orchids, have historically been over feeders, higher ppm levels of fertilizer might give even fertilized. better results, especially during active growth. Examples

2. Plants not only need nitrogen, phosphorus, and include , Dendrobiums, and Cymbidiums but potassium but also need trace elements, such as sulfur, you should “experiment” to see how your orchids calcium, magnesium, iron, manganese, zinc, copper, respond. boron, and molybdenum. 10. A host of other factors besides MSU fertilizer are

3. Two forms of the fertilizer are available. One form important in having your orchid perform well. These (the Orchid Well Water Special) should be used for hard include light conditions, humidity, temperature, water, that is, water with a high level of total dissolved temperature fluctuations, and growth/rest periods to name solids. Such water has naturally high levels of calcium a few. Know your orchids’ special requirements. and magnesium, for instance several hundred ppm. The 11. Sources of MSU fertilizer include: second form (Orchid RO Water Special) should be used Hilltop Orchids (765-795-6016), Green Acres Orchids for soft water, that is, water with a low level of total (517-543-5670), Galaxy Orchids (989-433-5886), and dissolved solids. Such water has low levels of calcium the Blackmore Company (800-874-8660). Small and magnesium. Reverse osmosis water and rainwater quantities (1 to 25 pounds) can be ordered from Hilltop have low levels of TDS, typically from 0 for RO water to Orchids (for $5 to $36 plus shipping). Blackmore 20 ppm for rainwater. (Note: please do not confuse Company sells only 25 pound bags ($35 plus shipping). treated water that is used to “soften” water. Water treated in this way is sometimes referred to as soft water 12. In an email after her talk, Jan added that two but actually has high levels of sodium, which can be toxic companies offer “tweaked formulas.” The Blackmore to plants if used repeatedly.) Company will make a custom formula. Roberts Floral Supply (440-236-5571) has a tweaked formula with 4. Water from most of the municipalities around Atlanta higher phosphorus levels. Note: the Blackmore has low levels of calcium and magnesium, that is, has low Company is where Bill Argo works, the author of the TDS. You can contact your water provider to learn the recent articles about plant nutrition that have been in the TDS level. Municipal water around Atlanta should be AtOS newsletter. about 40 to 50 ppm. Orchid growers using municipal water around Atlanta should use the Orchid RO The June 2003 issue of Orchids Magazine has an article Water Special. by Jan about the MSU fertilizer.

5. Jan suggests mixing ½ teaspoon of MSU fertilizer for each gallon of water. This results in a solution that JOIN THE AMERICAN ORCHID SOCIETY For $46.50/year, you reap the following benefits: contains 125 ppm of nitrogen. • 12 issues of Orchids, the Society’s 6. Jan suggests using water with fertilizer almost every monthly full color magazine chock full of time you water and that it is very important to flush the insightful articles and tempting ads for plants pot with lots of water to prevent build up of salts in the and supplies. mix. Occasionally, omit the fertilizer when watering. • 10% off on purchases from the Society’s For instance, every 3rd, 4th, or 5th time use only water Bookstore and Orchid Emporium.Reduced or free admission to participating botanical (without fertilizer). For Paphs and Pleurothallids, gardens. alternate the fertilizing schedule, that is, use water with For a limited time, if you join for two years ($84) you will fertilizer one time and just water the next time. also get a $30 gift certificate (good on an order of $100 or m ore) at any one of 13 commercial growers who advertise 7. Use fertilizer year round. (Note: exceptions might be in Orchids. JOIN TODAY. For information, contact plants that are truly resting or dormant.) David Mellard.

Page 15 www.atlantaorchidsociety.org June 2004

Monthly Exhibition Table Judging Results

First Quarter 2004

Quarter Name Jan Feb Mar Total Hallberg 16 9 11 36 Lentz/Morgan 7 7 18 32 Rinn 21 11 32 Brinton/Park 15 13 28 Gilmore 22 22 Collier/Reinke 3 6 8 17 Hartong 1 8 8 17 Lyda 15 15 Dampog 3 10 13 Notice: AtOS Email Lists Hansen 3 9 1 13 Mellard/Marino 7 7 David Mellard is creating a separate email list for Emerson 6 6 those people who have computers but who do NOT Jacobson 5 1 6 get the newsletter via email. The purpose of this Nierenberg 6 6 2nd email list is to send out any announcements Missbach 5 5 that come up between meetings. Currently, David Thurner 5 5 is using the newsletter distribution list for special Walkosky 3 3 announcements. If you get the newsletter via snail Frank 1 1 mail AND if you want to be notified of society Nowell/Kiermaier 1 1 activities via email, please email David ([email protected]) and let him know to add you to the announcements list. If you already receive the newsletter via email, you don’t need to contact To submit material for the newsletter, or David. to sign up for the email version of the newsletter, please contact Danny Lentz:

[email protected] Greengrowers : Ben Lyda

Saturday June 26, 2004 MAIL TO: Danny Lentz 10:00-12:00 1045 Wordsworth Dr. 1925 Idlewood Rd in Tucker Roswell, GA 30075

Ben will have plants for sale. The deadline for submissions is the 20th.

DIRECTIONS: From Spaghetti Junction (I-85 and I-285), take I-285 East to the Lavista Rd. exit. Turn left on Lavista Rd. and go about 3 Please visit our web site at miles. Turn right on Main Street (there will on be http://www.atlantaorchidsociety.org . If a school on the left). Take Main Street 3 lights, you have suggestions or, better yet, name of the street will change to Idlewood. Ben’s material to contribute to the site, contact driveway, about 200 yds after the third light, is on Tom Kaschak at 678-474-9001 the left across from a fire hydrant. The mailbox is past the driveway, so if you get to the box, turn Remember that Tom is a volunteer also and around . will certainly appreciate the help.