Basil/Herbs and Rootone

18 years ago

I had a question about using rootone to propagate Thai Basil.

So basically I bought some rootone at a local garden shop so I could root cuttings from my thai basil. So after I was finished dipping and putting my cuttings in pellets, I actually read the entire bottle, not thinking previously herbs would not be one of its uses.

So I start googling and I seem to see alot of people who use this. So to double check I go to the manufacturers website and look at their FAQ. It says rootone is for ornamentals only. At this point im kinda confused so I call them up directly, only to be told "Its registered for use with ornamentals only" . I couldnt get much else out of this person. Im sure for legal reasons.

Im wondering if the fungicide it uses is the questionable element. Does it get absorbed into the plant's biology or something? I'd think before the time you would use any of the edibles of the plant all the rootone would be flushed out.

With all the scary warnings on the label,Its a wonder anyone would use this stuff for anything. Is this just a legal catch all, as in the same warning for a small bottle and a commercial 50 gallon drum of it?

So basically im just sitting here pondering whether I should just chuck out all my new starts in fear of some kind of plant poisoning.

Thanks in advance for anyone who can help me with this question.

John

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Comments (5)

little_dani
18 years ago
It could be because of the fungicide, but maybe not. I have used it on Rosemary, and several other herbs, with no ill effect. The fact is that it is only registered for use on ornamentals.

I would say this. Basil is so easily grown from seed that I would never think to take cuttings. Even considering time for seeds to germinate and grow to a small plant, it would still be less time than you would probably need to root a cutting and grow it out a little before you start picking leaves off it.

Janie
calistoga_al ca 15 usda 9
18 years ago
I have to agree with little dani. It is expensive to get any chemical registered for use and even more so when used on food stuff. That doesn't mean it is not effective or that it is somehow dangerous, only that it is not registered for that use. No one is going to tell you it is OK. Al
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sambal
18 years ago
Al, I agree with all of you. My husband is a retired chef, and we grew alot of fresh herbs for the Club. In autumn, we would take a few cuttings of English Thyme, using root tone. Noone ever became ill. As far as basils go, We have a small, 4 ft. long, light unit and kept just enough basil, cilantro, etc. from seed,,, to provide something fresh as an edible garnish, or for use in various sauces, etc. SAM
makforest
18 years ago
Many things that are OK for various wildlife species are NOT OK for humans. This goes for natural things such as some fruits (i.e.: barberries) as well as chemicals, even those derived from natural sources. You would be wise to stick to label directions / recommendations / warnings. I use rooting hormones on plants that will eventually be consumed by wildlife and have not seen nor heard of ill effects. But in no way would I recommend human consumption ...attorney present or not!
albert_135 　 39.17°N 119.76°W 4695ft.
18 years ago
I expect the warning is legal "boilerplate". They just want to be covered in case someone gets a belly ache and threatens to drag them to court.