Kitchen Garden Forum

every season I lose about 80% of my pea crop to the attentions of the grubs of the pea moth which eat the peas in situ.I have read that I should spray the flowers with insecticide before the pods form, but this only deters the pollinating insects as well. No-one else in the area seem to suffer as badly from this pest. I am desperate for a solution as this will otherwise be my last pea season.

IanL.

What variety do you grow Ian?

I grow Hurst Green Shaft - always sow in March in pots and plant out mid April to harvest from mid June.
I find any later then the moth is active.

Beryl.

Thanks, Beryl, for the tip.I actually grow Onward, though I have tried Green shaft with the same problem.Of course,I have left it too late to try your method this season, but will give it a try next year.
IanL.

Ian,

I have had similar problems with mid season crops of Onward and Hurst Green Shaft which are picked from mid July but never had any issues with March sown first earlies such as Kelvedon Wonder, Twinkle, Early Onward etc.

However this year I am going to attempt spraying the flowers of mid season crops with liquid derris as it is a naturally occurring substance and is alledged to be a good moth deterrant.

Hope this helps,

Regards,

Andy S

Thank you for your reply, Andy. I will try the liquid derris if I canget hold of any, I have a feeling it may be a new recruit to the banned list however.
IanL

I bought some liquid derris just last week so it's still out there - unlike fenitrothion, which used to be brilliant against pea moth. They attack when the plants are in flower and the tiny pod just forming inside the bloom, so that's the time to take action.