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Old August 12, 2016   #13
bower
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Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Newfoundland, Canada
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Henry, that is an excellent link on the bulb mites. Thanks!

I guess my bulb cleaning skills are going to be tested. I would hate to lose my Argentina seed stock.

My tap water is 140 F at hottest. That is supposed to be hot enough to kill most insects in short order, so I feel pretty confident about the bulbs that were washed off - if it doesn't damage them. But now I'm concerned about smaller numbers, since even a few can lurk about and spread when opportunity knocks.
Father's Daughter gave me a link last year, they recommended soaking cloves in kelp and baking soda solution for 24 hours then an alcohol dip before planting. I may try that, assuming I do have some bulbs that 'appear' to be perfect enough for seed.

What do you think about dusting my seed stock with DE? To protect against any spread of mites.
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