The dry winter months are upon us; with dryness comes mites. Mites have piercing-sucking mouthparts that penetrate plant tissues causing damage during feeding. Contorted plant growth and tissue damage can quickly result. Mites may also transmit viruses during feeding. The presence of mite damage and the mites themselves can result in plants that are difficult to sell.

Coming to the grower's rescue is SuffOil-X. SuffOil-X is a unique formulation of a mineral oil that easily mixes with water and stays mixed with minimal agitation.  SuffOil-X is not a clear oil but looks like a whitish liquid with a hint of ammonia when you open the container (ammonia is used as a preservative). SuffOil-X was formulated by a petroleum engineer who grew orchids and bromeliads as a hobby; he wanted an oil formulation that he could safely spray on his tender plants.. SuffOil-X has been tested extensively for it's safety to plants - it has been shown to be safe on most plant material, even poinsettias, mandevilla, pansies, etc.

For phyto testing on many types of plants see BioWorks Technical Sheets: http://www.bioworksinc.com/products/suffoil-x/phytotoxic-studies.pdf & http://www.bioworksinc.com/products/suffoil-x/phytotoxic-effects.pdf)

Coverage is key for successful kill of mites and many other insects with SuffOil-X; you got to hit 'em to kill 'em. Because SuffOil-X is pre-emulsified it mixes quickly in water and stays mixed with light agitation. Staying mixed with water maintains smaller, consistent spray droplets from a spray nozzle that can penetrate deep into a tight canopy of plants and provide excellentcoverage. Again, you got to hit 'em to kill 'em since SuffOil-X is a registered contact miticide, insecticide and fungicide.

SuffOil-X has a low, 4-hour REI; is registered for most plants including fruits and veggies; and is exempt from residue tolerance levels. Further, SuffOil-X is OMRI (Organic Material Review Institute) certified for use in organic production. Many oils can burn in hot temperatures; however SuffOil-X is more forgiving. Growers in southern Florida are applying SuffOil-X in the summer months without burn. They apply early in the morning when the roosters are crowing at dawn. SuffOil-X dries quickly and can actually help shine up the foliage. Growers use SuffOil-X to dry up and remove sooty molds. Two applications a few days apart and the tar-like sooty mold peels off the foliage and can be washed away with water from a garden hose. A complete list of do's and don'ts with SuffOil-X can be found on the technical sheet - http://www.bioworksinc.com/products/suffoil-x/suffoil-x.pdf.