Vine weevil has been one of the principal pests of soft fruit crops in the UK for several decades. In the 1980’s, the pest became a more persistent problem in soil grown crops which were planted through a polythene mulch as the warm and moist conditions which prevailed under the mulch favoured the survival and development of the pest. The mulch also offered a perfect refuge to the weevil from predatory birds, whilst also making it more difficult for control measures to reach the pest. Yes, vine weevils jump down to plants from walls, particularly in greenhouses, to land near pots. That’s why it’s important to keep infested plants away from walls. There are a range of options. The most direct is to keep an eye open for the adults and destroy any that you find. As the adult weevils tend to feed during the night, it's worth going out with a torch. Nematodes work for six weeks, but give up to four months since they prevent the larvae from hatching into adults and causing another lifecycle.

Discovered a heavy infestation? O rder a ASAP / Autumn Offer to fit 2 applications in before the end of the year and save money too! Nematodes move more easily in lighter soils than heavy soils as long as sufficient moisture is available. Keep stirring the mixture well to prevent the nematodes from settling at the bottom of the watering can.

Their body is also pear-shaped from above, and clearly divided into two segments. Vine weevil treatment UK Nematodes To keep a minor problem at bay, one autumn treatment should be adequate. However, for a serious infestation, treat in the spring and again in the autumn. When treating pots take care that soil is not left to dry out. Vine weevil is a garden pest that used to be difficult to control. If you think you may have a vine weevil problem then you will need to take steps to control them as Vine weevil is one plant insect pest that most gardeners live in fear of. Control: Nematodes Steinernema feltiae (spring application)and S. carpocapsae (summer application).

It is important to choose the correct nematode for the right type of pest. And to use them in the right conditions. When can I apply Nemasys Vine Weevil Killer? Nemasys Vine Weevil Killer should be applied when the soil temperature is above 5oC (41oF) and the vine weevil larvae are present. Outdoors this is usually March to November, undercover vine weevil can be controlled year round. Nemasys Vine Weevil Killer kills vine weevil larvae and not the adult beetles. As a rule of thumb for application to containers, the total volume of water applied (including that used for nematode application and that used for irrigation afterwards) should be approximately 10% of the pot volume, but this will depend on substrate moisture content prior to application. For example, for a 7-litre pot, a total of 700 ml of water should be applied. Apply to moist substrate or soil and if necessary, irrigate before application. Nematodes need moisture to survive and move. Sufficient moisture Adults: A trap containing nematodes ( S. carpocapsae), isavailable for adult vine weevil. The traps should be placed on the ground below plants damaged by the weevils during the summer. The adults enter the trap during the day and are infected by the nematodes.

Resources

The presence of biological controls should not interfere with normal gardening activities such as ventilating glasshouses and watering, although it is necessary to avoid the use ofpesticides The parasitoids are usually specific to certain prey species and will not become a nuisance or cause harm to non-target creatures

To keep a minor problem at bay, one autumn treatment should be adequate. However, for a serious infestation, treat in the spring and again in the autumn. When treating pots take care that soil is not left to dry out. Nemasys Vine Weevil Killer will kill larvae present in the area and protect against further larvae damage for up to four weeks. Water the diluted nematode solution into the infected area with each watering can covering an area of 10m 2. 10 watering cans be made up from the 5 litres of nematode solution which can treat a total area of 100m 2. As soon as received, store nematodes in the fridge at the temperature recommended by the supplier (e.g. 2-6°C, 5°C or 4-10°C depending on supplier and product). Naturally and safely control your Vine weevil infestation with our Vine Weevil Killer Nematodes, which are deadly to the Vine weevil larvae but safe to humans and wildlife. Vine Weevil Killer contains Steinernema species nematodes, or Heterorhabditis bacteriophorai n the summer months. These nematodes enter the larvae via a natural opening, like the mouth, and feed on the contents of the larvae. A natural bacterium is produced by the nematodes inside the larvae, which kills it. Infected larvae will be completely broken down by the nematodes. The nematodes also reproduce inside the larvae, releasing more nematodes into the surrounding area. When Should I Apply The Nematodes? They are ideal for protecting hedges, patio gardens, raised beds or amongst your most vulnerable or valuable plants. Position Nematop Adult Vine Weevil Traps in the summer when adult vine weevils are at their most active.Nematode biological controls are usually either insect or mollusc specific. They therefore have the potential to infect non-target animals and so should be used in a targeted manner Apply to pots and open ground March to May and August to October. This is when the vine weevil larvae are present and the soil is above 5ºC (40ºF). If applying under cover the pests life cycle is broken and Nemasys Vine Weevil Killer can be applied at any time, as long as the soil is above 5ºC (40ºF). Apply directly to the soil around the roots which is where the larvae will be feeding. All equipment, regardless of application method, should be cleaned/flushed prior to nematode application, particularly if it has previously been used for a plant protection product that is harmful to nematodes. Application to the root zone Control:NematodesVariousproductscontaining Steinernemafeltiaeand S.carpocapsae,including Nemasys Fruit and Veg protection andBox tree caterpillar killer.

Each Vine Weevil trap consists of a specially designed wooden board, that has 3 grooves in it, which are filled with a gel containing 2.5 million nematodes (Steinernema carpocapsae), which attracts the adults. The nematodes come complete with instructions and can be applied using a watering can or nematode applicator. You just apply to moist soil when the soil temperature is above 5ºC (41ºF) and ensure the soil.Biological controlfor the larvae is available as microscopic insect pathogenic nematodes. Several species and combinations are available ( Steinernema kraussei, Heterorhabditis megidis, H. bacteriophora and S. feltiae). They are availablefrom suppliers of biological controls and as sachet formulations available from some retail outlets. They are suitable for use in containers and in the open ground.For best results apply in August or early September when the soil temperature or potting mediais warm enough for the nematodes to be effective ( Steinernema species 5-20ºC/41-68ºF Heterorhabditus species 12-20ºC/ 54-68ºF) and before the vine weevil grubs have grown large enough to cause serious damage The larvae survive through the winter but stop feeding. They hibernate around the roots over winter, and then form pupae in April. The recommended rate for use in soil is usually higher than that recommended for use in substrate in pots or containers. Larvae (maggots) of a hoverfly Sphaerophoria ruppelli .About half of the hoverfly species found in Britain are predatory on aphids as larvae. The predatory green maggots of S. ruppelli are sometimes sold comercially and can be released on aphid affected plants. Discovered a heavy infestation? O rder a ASAP / Autumn Offer to fit 2 applications in before the end of the year and save money too!