Spring 2019
IMAGES
Images are required with new registrations. If
you’ve sent in registrations, even if you don’t have a
confirmation, you can get a jump on this process.
Drop an email to Neil Houghton, the AIS
image coordinator. He will use your email to send
instructions. images@irises.org
DIGITAL PROGRAMS
Digital programs are now free to members of
AIS. We hope you’ll order them from Neil (images@
irises.org or 585-301-8256). The program list will be
available on our website, and you can also request
it from Neil. We only ask that you do not give the
PowerPoint files to nonmembers. Of course you
can use them with any audience and we encourage
that! The purpose of these wonderful programs
is to promote the AIS! Don’t skip over the blatant
promotions. Also, be sure to read, share, and
observe copyright restrictions. Enjoy!
FROM THE SAN DIEGO IRIS SOCIETY
NEWSLETTER FEBRUARY 2019
The discussion about Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt)
was particularly interesting. It is a bacteria that is
harmless to people but will kill the larval stage of
insects (e.g. caterpillars of moths and butterflies,
larvae of mosquitoes). How does it work? The larva
eats the Bt. Once in the gut, the Bt secretes a toxin
that causes the gut wall of the larvae to dissolve,
killing the larvae. There are different strains of Bt,
and each one is toxic to a specific insect larva. So
it’s important to know the pest you’re dealing with
so you can apply the appropriate strain of Bt. My
Louisiana irises grow in troughs of water which turn
out to be excellent nurseries for mosquito larvae.
Last summer Janis Shackelford recommended
using a Mosquito Dunk to kill the larvae. Since then,
once a month during mosquito season, I dose each
trough with a portion of Mosquito Dunk which
contains a Bt specific to mosquito larvae. Works
great! And I don’t worry about the dogs drinking
out of the troughs because the Bt in the dunks is
specific to mosquitoes, not canines.
—Claire Schneider
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Bulletin Board
New bookmarks that replace the AIS Invitation to Join.
AIS Bulletin 11