Topic: Perlka - Club Root Control/Fertlizer

[sandersj89]

Has anyone used this or heard of it. I picked the information up from another site:

http://www.garden-supply.co.uk/information.php?info_id=6

I am tempted to give it a go as I do suffer from club root. This combined with rhubarb under the plant might make a difference.

Dont like the comment about handling it and not being allowed a drink for 48 hours though!

Any views?

Jerry

[cleo]

Jerry-you pay your money you take your choice. I have never heard of it but that says little.

But if someone came up with a cure for club root that passed all the standards/restrictions in place they would be as rich as my dreams.

I once had it and I like to think rhubarb helped a bit-but sowing in a five inch pot and transplanting into a big hole filled with soil gleaned from mole hills was the best I managed.

[sandersj89]

Yes, I plant out from large pots and back fill with sterile soil or compost so I do get a crop but it could be much better.

It seems this material is more commercial based than other treatments.

Jerry

[jennym]

Can't find this listed on UK approved pesticide database Jerry.
The only one registered for use without a licence is Liquid Club Root Control from PBI.
Do you know the active ingredient?

MODIFIED - just found active ingredient: Calcium Cyanamide (CaNCN)

[sandersj89]

I have seen referances to it on DEFRA's website talking about commercial application so it must be registered for use. As I said it seems to be a commercial product rather than a home use one.

It does sound pretty strong though. Still tempted but would like more information. If it is effective then I may try it for a year.

Jerry

[jennym]

Have searched extensively, and that particular brandname and active ingredient do not appear to be approved for use as a pesticide.
However, it may be being marketed NOT as a pesticide.
The active ingredient, Calcium Cyanamide isn't very nice it seems.
Here is a safety sheet I found:
http://www.state.nj.us/health/eoh/rtkweb/0316.pdf

Hope this helps

Modified - more info here:
http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/ipcsneng/neng0424.html

[jennym]

Calcium cyanamide appears to be marketed as a fertiliser.

Also found what I thought was an unbiased report upon the advantages of using calcium cyanamide as opposed to other substances. However, this paper:
http://www.minagric.gr/greek/data/files2251/PERLKLA1.DOC
has been written by Hans-Juergen Klasse, SKW Trostberg AG, Germany

It happens that the Trostberg company merged with Degussa in 2001. Degussa is the manufacturer's name on Perlka. So unfortunately, this can only be read as promotional information I feel.

Hope this helps you to decide.

[sandersj89]

Jenny

Many thanks indeed for all the research. My concern was sparked about the active ingredient but I need to weigh up the positives if it can help with club root.

I lime the ground and the planting holes, add a bit of rhubbrab and a bay leave and raise the plants in pots and back fill with sterile soil so can get a crop but it is not always great.

There are also a few club root tollerant varieties out there now that help.

Thanks again.

Jerry