Are systemic insecticides safe to use on vegetables even though they are not listed on the label?

Answer 1

No. Since vegetables are perishable and are consumed fast, its better to apply botanical pesticides like Neem (Azadirachtin), so that the persistence of the pesticide lasts shorter. For Systematic pesticides u have to know the persistency of the pesticide.

Answer 2

Cruisin gave you a good answer. Why would you use poisons in your own garden? Isn't one of the reasons you grow your own, to produce something free of pesticides and herbicides and other toxic chemcals?

Research something called Reemay (floating row cover). This is a white material, practically lighter than air, comes in a 4' wide roll. Use it to cover squash and cucumber seedlings (and anything else subject to insect attacks). Tuck dirt in all around to seal it. Leave it on until female flowers appear, then remove it so pollination can occur. By then, bugs' life cycle is over and/or plants are sturdy enough to survive attacks. Stuff is reusable so it's an investment. Good luck!

Answer 3

It's a bit of work but for the last ten years I have been using non poisonous potions you can make right from things in your house. There's a great book by Jerry Baker called garden solutions that I follow and I haven't had to buy any type of pestisides in years. He has a web site that I think give you some free solutions. Organic is the way to go if you can. There is one formula that I use pretty much on everything including fruit trees. It will get rid of white flies and moths won't lay their eggs when you use this so no worms on your tomatoes. But you have to use it about every two weeks. Chop up 6 cloves of garlic 1 small onion try to chop these up pretty fine or use one of those vegamatic things they work great. 1tbsp. of cayenne pepper 1 tbls of liquid dish soap, 1qt. of warm water let this mixture sit over night. Strain out the solids, pour the mixture into a hand held sprayer (you can get these at any garden store) I like the sprayers that screw into a garden hose and I use the quart size sprayer but you can go bigger if you want. This works great for most bugs if not all. Be sure to spray all your plants thouroughly. And when you plant your garden mix it up a bit by planting a row of onions close to your squash and all veggies. Another little trick that helps is to plant a spot of raddishes just for the bugs! They will feast there as radishes are one of their favorites and they will leave other stuff alone. I know this is a little bit of work but the results are great! All my veggies seem to taste better and grow bigger by doing it organically. happy gardening! ps just google JerryBaker.com his site is worth looking at.

Answer 4

I am no expert on this but, to me common sense would be, if a systemic goes into the plant through the roots and is absorbed to kill sucking insects on the foliage, then it would also go into the fruit and you would be eating the poison. I sure wouldn't use it on veggies.

Answer 5

NO...any pesticide that is used not in accordance to its labeling is against Federal law and carries fines. iF you are unsure about something even after checking the label...check with either your local extension office or poison control center for toxicity factors.