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Molasses and honey
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- Albert Nakaji
- Posts: 501
- Joined: Fri Mar 22, 2013 8:43 pm
Molasses and honey
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Postby Albert Nakaji »
There seems to be conflicting opinions about whether orchids can take in sugar, in the form of molasses, through the leaves and roots. Many sources suggest that molasses affects the media (primarily dirt, so that wouldn't apply to orchids) and that orchids do not take anything from the molasses directly though the roots or leaves. Any opinions on this?
Also, since it's also a sugar source, might honey also be used for the same purpose?
Incidentally, both are considered to be antifungal/antibacterial agents. Would their use helps to prevent fungal and bacterial infections?
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- Chuckie
Re: Molasses and honey
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Postby Chuckie »
These two articles may explain some things.
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/ar ... 1705002968
http://infrc.or.jp/english/KNF_Data_Bas ... -5-015.pdf
Chuckie
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- Albert Nakaji
- Posts: 501
- Joined: Fri Mar 22, 2013 8:43 pm
Re: Molasses and honey
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Postby Albert Nakaji »
Thank you, Chuckie.
It seems, based on the Japanese article, that foliar application of molasses does significantly increase yield (but not tested on orchids).
The other article seems to suggest that such applications (I assume simple C includes molasses) does not yield significant differences (but not tested on orchids).
Unless I misunderstood the articles, this is where I started the question.
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- polka
- Posts: 91
- Joined: Wed Mar 20, 2013 2:55 pm
- Location: Eastern Texas, near Tyler
Re: Molasses and honey
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Postby polka »
Albert
I don't recall the whole mineral profile of molasses, but I do remember that it contains some potassium (K). The sugar in molasses is a bit simpler than the ones found in honey -- should you go that route, I'd bet on the molasses. The fungal properties of either are hydroscopic -- it draws water away from the fungi, preventing germination of the fungal spores.
I, of course, could be wrong, but that is what I remember.
I would suppose foliar feeding, and direct contact with exposed roots, or at the new growth base would be the best applications.
Take care
Rex
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- SARC
- Posts: 487
- Joined: Wed Mar 20, 2013 12:23 pm
Re: Molasses and honey
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Postby SARC »
There is some information on the use of glucose in the book 'Vandas and Ascocendas and their combinations with other genera' by David L Grove, page 182. This issue of using 'sugar' as plant nutrition is one where you need to go right back to understanding plant physiology and the dynamics of photosynthesis. I always remember my lecturers saying that fertilizer is not plant food. What the plant uses to grow is actually glucose, that is a result of photosynthesis. The basic way to understand this is 'the energy of the sun splits the water molecule which then bonds with carbon dioxide to form glucose'. You then have a whole lot of complex chemistry as to how this is used in the plant.
From my perspective I don't see the need to use glucose if your plants are functioning (photosynthesising) correctly without any imbalances in nutrient levels. For example if leaf analysis shows a calcium deficiency then the addition of glucose isn't going to fix that. Actually I'm now tempted to go out and do a few experiments to see the results on plant size and growth.
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- Albert Nakaji
- Posts: 501
- Joined: Fri Mar 22, 2013 8:43 pm
Re: Molasses and honey
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Postby Albert Nakaji »
Actually I'm now tempted to go out and do a few experiments to see the results on plant size and growth.
Please do and let us know what you discover.
My thinking is that supplementing with sugar through foliar application may be helpful for plants that need to be revived because of dysfunctional roots (root rot). Of course, foliar feeding with fertilizer and trace elements will help that too, but a sugar boost can't hurt (I think).
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- cricketerry
- Posts: 1980
- Joined: Wed Mar 20, 2013 5:03 am
- Location: Somerset, England, UK..
Re: Molasses and honey
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Postby cricketerry »
Albert, l would be worried that the sugar solution would attract unwanted mould growth on the plant and attract pests such as ants. I would only try it on a small scale.
Terry
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- PreSam
- Posts: 60
- Joined: Fri Mar 29, 2013 12:27 am
- Location: Calicut, Kerala, India
Re: Molasses and honey
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Postby PreSam »
I have been using a concoction made of sardines and jaggery(concentrated cane syrup = molasses + crystals) for over a year now with good results. I however refrain from using it during the monsoons as i had been advised against using anything organic when it is constantly wet. It does not attract ants and when used every week keeps mites at bay.
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- Albert Nakaji
- Posts: 501
- Joined: Fri Mar 22, 2013 8:43 pm
Re: Molasses and honey
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Postby Albert Nakaji »
What kind of changes have you seen after using this?
PreSam wrote:I have been using a concoction made of sardines and jaggery(concentrated cane syrup = molasses + crystals) for over a year now with good results. I however refrain from using it during the monsoons as i had been advised against using anything organic when it is constantly wet. It does not attract ants and when used every week keeps mites at bay.
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- MrCym
- Posts: 14104
- Joined: Tue Mar 19, 2013 11:37 pm
Re: Molasses and honey
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Postby MrCym »
He's now known as "The Cat Man"!!
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