Re: Holes in rhizomes
- To: i*@rt66.com
- Subject: Re: Holes in rhizomes
- From: D* M* <d*@southconn.com>
- Date: Sun, 06 Oct 1996 00:36:00 -0400
At 10:39 AM 10/5/96 -0500, you wrote:
> Donald, do you have crickets chewing on your rhizomes?
>Linda Mann lmann76543@aol.com east TN
Well, Linda, something was chewing on my rhizomes, but it appears to have
subsided for the moment. The deterrent I tried was diatomaceous earth
sprinkled on the rhizomes, although I don't know if this was effective. I
went out on night patrol for approximately one week after I experienced some
rot problems and found and executed several culprits. They included, but I
am sure they are not limited to, crickets, snails, palmetto bugs (huge
native outdoor, cockroaches) and these little millipede looking insects
(literally numbering in the millions). I noted that something had chewed
small holes in the tops of the rhizomes (only the exposed ones). These
holes filled with fluid from the juicy rhizomes and then a whole host of
insects were attracted by the "nectar"! I treated the rhizomes with Comet
cleanser in the hopes of deterring the pests and the inevitable rot which
was to follow. However, it seemed that most of the rhizomes I lost were
growing beautifully one day and rotten or seemingly cut down the next. It
also seems that the more prized TB's fell victim - guess that's Murphy's law
at work. I haven't seen many crickets, but something also mowed down a
whole clump of Japanese Anemones in the same area - maybe grasshoppers. I
refuse to resort to strong pesticides so I guess I'll just have to keep
ahead of the insects by planting large quantities of irises; which means I
won't be buying anyone's $40.00 or more introductions. :)
-Donald (waiting on BROTHER CARL to unfurl and falling in love with rebloomers)
Donald Mosser
dmosser@southconn.com
North Augusta, South Carolina, USA
On the South Carolina and Georgia Border
Zone 7b-8
