----- Original Message -----
Sent: Wednesday, January 26, 2005 4:54
PM
Subject: [GWL] Japanese Beetles
In reading post after post on this subject I'm
just amazed at how all but two writers have noted how important it is to
understand the life cycle of this insect. Without , how many broods you
may have in your area of the country and what is the best time for
control...you seem to be doomed until nature takes it's course. Part of
a good IPM program involves understanding the target and monitoring the
target. There are threshold levels for JB grubs that are acceptable and
levels that indicate that treatment and or a plan is
needed.
For those who have tried pyrethrin and have
had little to no success...remember that this botanical insecticide degrades
very rapidly in sunlight. If you use it late in the day or early in the
morning you will have much greater success. Also, use pyrethrin that has
PPB in it. That's piperonyl butoxide. This is synergist that
increases and enhances the effect of the pyrethrin. Note though that if
you are running a strictly organic operation PPB is not considered
organic. Most, but not all commercial formulations of pyrethrin such as
Shultz's Expert line do contain PPB. However, if you buy a pyrethrin
concentrate instead of the RTU (ready to use) formulations the percentage of
PPB is usually higher and the product much more
effective.
I much prefer this to using cabaryl (Sevin)
which is much more controversial, non selective, extremely toxic to honey bees
and butterflies...to name just a few of the non target insects it will
kill.
If you use traps...be aware of your prevailing
winds. As noted in other posts if traps are placed improperly they can
do much more harm than good.
And for those who choose the picking
method...on female that is missed will lay up to 200
eggs.
Here's a thought though. Consider using
a small portable vacuum such as a Dust Buster to collect these wonderful
critters.
There is a map available, possibly from USDA
that shows the annual spread and severity of infestation of the JB. Of
course I can't remember where I saw it but it was in the last
year.
There are also two other beetles that
gardeners often confuse with Japanese Beetles. These are the Oriental
beetle and the Asiatic beetle.
Sorry for the rant but when horticulture is
your passion....
Andrew Messinger
The Hampton
Gardener
The Hampton Gardener is a Registered Trade
Mark
(Published every Thursday in the Southampton Press)
_______________________________________________
gardenwriters
mailing
list
gardenwriters@lists.ibiblio.org
http://lists.ibiblio.org/mailman/listinfo/gardenwriters
GWL
has searchable archives
at:
http://www.hort.net/lists/gardenwriters
Send photos for GWL to
gwlphotos@hort.net to be posted
at:
http://www.hort.net/lists/gwlphotos
Post gardening questions/threads
to
"Gardenwriters on Gardening"
<gwl-g@lists.ibiblio.org>
For GWL website and Wiki, go
to
http://www.ibiblio.org/gardenwriters
