Hello everyone.
About two years ago I posted a question in the “ not deserving a whole thread” I didn’t really get a response. So I thought I would just create a thread to see if others have experienced this.
This is the original post in 2020
Hello everyone. I Purchased some Montereys horticultural oil last summer Around June or July I believe. I stored it downstairs in my basement at roughly 50 to 60° over the winter. Not in the garage so it would not separate. If that’s even a problem. The issue I have is this spring today I opened it and it is creamy white and it smells like ammonia really bad. Is this normal for it? Or is it a bad batch. I called the company and I got a gentleman that said it was normal but I thought I would check in with you all before I go spraying my trees and kill them.
Since then, I have purchased two other bottles, and they both have smelt very strong and are white and creamy.
The first bottle of oil that I purchased looked like true mineral oil and was a clear yellow color. I stored it in my basement overwinter. When I pulled it out that spring, it was white creamy. Is this a normal process? The oil goes through? This is at room temperature as well.
I have tried to research about this and didn’t get far as far as Internet goes.
This picture is of a new bottle I purchased off Amazon just last week.
Mine is also thick and goopy like that. If the picture was taken while the oil was at a lower temp than you expect, it would also seem more goopy to you.
I think that’s exactly what it should look like. As for smell, I’ve never tried. This stuff is an emulsion of mineral oil (a lightweight petroleum fraction) and water. As everyone knows, oil and water don’t mix, but they can be homogenized. You cut it with water to spray it, but that doesn’t make it any more emulsified. In fact, it may tend to separate after awhile because whatever emulsifiers are in it have to stretch further.
Thanks for the reply guys especially the SDS information. It’s interesting. It even says on there that the smell is ammonia. Haha.
Other than during bloom time, is there a time period I should not spray it? I had a really bad infestation of aphids on my plum trees last year. If I sprayed on new leaves or forming leaves, would that damage it?
When I talk to the gentleman from the company, he said I could use it at any time of the year even during hot temperatures. And at all periods Of the season. Of course I would air on the side of caution and only spray it when it is 80° or less outside and not during bloom time.
