SP>  Nurseries that root cuttings in under a week use a spray mist, light
SP>  and heating system. The timed sprays wash beginning moulds off the
SP>  surfaces and control them, the heat spurs rooting, and the constant
SP>  moisture (in strong light!) allows roots to form w/o letting the
SP>  leaves and stems dehydrate.
     One thing that will take care of molds such as mildew on cuttings
     as well as mature plants is that plain old Lysol disinfectant
     spray.  It works wonders - and will not harm the plant.  Just allow
     the mist to fall on the affected leaves/soil - being sure not to
     actually "chill" the plant by holding the spray too close.  It
     works wonders!  (I use "regular scent".  Don't know if other scents
     might make a difference).
SP>CG>You're right. This is the traditional low-maintenance route. I
SP>CG>will treat myself to some cactii today.
     Hm, I have no idea how cactii will react to this sort of treatment.
SP>CG>With all the hydroponic gardening going on, I wonder why large-
SP>CG>scale growers don't do this sealed/controlled environment. They
SP>CG>must know something. maybe it *is* the rapid spread of disease if
SP>CG>once it gets into the system.
    Been there, done that.  But with reasonable care it should not be a
    problem.  My experience (years ago) was when a local contractor went
    through the community - unannounced - spraying for mosquitos. (I'm
    sure the mosquitos were never affected - but we experienced our own
    version of "Silent Spring" for a few years after).  Anyway - the
    window of the fishroom was open, and the air pump picked up the
    poison and circulated it through all the tanks.  We lost 90% - just
    a little over 900 fancy guppies within the next few hours.  So
    it's not only disease that can be a problem.
SP>  ..millions into a similar project, and it failed due to disease just as
SP>  the crop was maturing. The same thing happened in N.S.  (I personally
SP>  think mother nature was trying to tell them something.) Was it the
SP>  Springer project? Not sure.
     Hydroponics is big business here in Canada.  Tomatos lend
     themselves to such culture methods too.  It works - mind you - they
     don't always tase to hot, but that may be more the cariety than the
     culture.
SP>  The most successful hydroponic crops are greens and sprouts, but even
SP>  here, intensive care (human care!) is needed. No robots need apply.
SP>  :-) Tomatoes are another good one.
     Intensive care and observation - but perhaps not all that labour
     intensive.
 * SLMR 2.1a * 
--- Maximus/2 3.01
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