Vine Weevil grubs

[Elaine]

We have just been sorting out our strawberry runners and potting them on. I was horrified to find lots of vine weevil grubs--cream coloured with brown heads-- in amongst the roots and compost. I have squished lots but can't be certain I've got them all. Before I dash off to buy some, does anyone know if Provado Vine Weevil killer can be used on edibles or is it just for ornamentals? Cheers, Elaine.

[realfood]

It is a systemic insecticide and would be in the fruit. Therefore, it is not licensed for use in food crops.

[Elaine]

Thanks Realfood, I thought as much. Any suggestions please? Ideally, I would like something which can be watered into the compost to kill the beasties before they wake up and start munching the strawberry roots.

[Johnboy]

Hi Elaine,
In the grub stage is when they do eat the roots. I do know that if the strawberries were mine they would be out of the ground immediately.
All plants inspected rigorously and replanted, probably in pots for this year at least.
I have had some dreadful dealings with these little ba----ds in the past and it cost me a contract worth many thousands of pounds a year.
It took me nearly two years to get rid of them and more money than I could afford!
I am reliably informed by Rothamsted HRI that they can walk over half a mile overnight and I inherited them from another nursery next door to me.
It is no use me telling you what I used because it is a commercial product and unavailable to the general public. I know nothing about Provado.
JB.

[Elaine]

Thanks for that JB. They are in Pots already. We grow them at home in big pots as they kept being pinched at the allotment. They have over wintered there and also the runners. I scrutinised each plant and re-potted with fresh compost and disposed of the old compost. Hopefully I got them all but I won't hold my breath. We had no problems with them last year and had brilliant yields. Am spitting mad so I can only imagine how you must have felt! Cheers.

[Geoff]

Keep the cleaned up pots off the ground or hardstanding, it helps prevent reinfection.

[Monika]

Elaine, I once read that smearing the pots with vaseline on the outside helps to stop the weevils climbing up and into the pots. It might be useful as a second defence, unless you have lots and lots of pots.

[Elaine]

Thanks everyone. The pots are off the ground on trestle tables and away from the wall. I also heard about vaseline, but we have 15 large buckets so far. I've been advised to stand the table legs in large plant pot saucers with water in, as the adults can't swim. Someone also advised putting grit on top of the compost as this impedes the females egg laying. Having googled the beasties there is a nematode product, NEMASYS, and I shall be sending for this asap, as well as trying everything else as a belt and braces job. This is war This years strawberry jam is at stake here! Thanks again everyone. Cheers.

[Elaine]

Hi everyone. An update on the vineweevil grubs in my strawberry buckets. I sent for the Nemesys and it was applied two weeks ago. I inspect the plants religiously and so far, all seems well (touch wood!). I haven't lost any plants, all are extremely healthy and are flowering their heads off. I shall be VERY vigilant for signs of the adult weevils and intend to use the Nemesys again in Autumn. There are no signs of notches in leaves on any other plants in the garden as yet either, though there is time yet and if any do appear, I shall apply Provado, as they are all ornamental. On the strawberry plants, I have found one or two leaves folded together with silk which contain a tiny green caterpillar. I think they may be Tortrix moth larvae. I've removed these leaves and squished them. Any other suggestions please? Cheers!