Go organic with pest control for slugs and vine weevils
My garden suffers from two main pests – slugs (and snails) and vine weevils. I’ll be trialling nematodes for vine weevils and slugs from BASF, namely Nemasys and Nemaslug. Both use naturally occurring beneficial nematodes (microscopic worms) to tackle specific pests. Find more information on www.greengardener.co.uk.
If you have the time and patience, you can pick the former off soil and plants, and there is a host of organic remedies. However, vine weevils are another matter, decimating my heucheras, strawberries, a Rhododendron and Shasta daisies. Nemasys and Nemaslug nematodes are the answer to both!
Nematodes for vine weevils and slugs – Nemaslug
Nemaslug Slug Killer, which contains natural nematodes that are effective at controlling slugs, but unlike chemical controls, are safe for children, pets, birds and wildlife. Nemaslug nematodes occur naturally in UK soil. They have been approved for use in organic gardening by the Soil Association.
The microscopic beneficial nematodes are Phasmarhabditis hermaphrodita that occur naturally in UK soil. They come as a powder, which you mix with water and apply to the soil where they search out slugs. As the nematodes invade the slug, it will stop feeding and burrow underground to die. As it decomposes, the nematodes travel back into the soil to search out more slugs, and the whole process starts again.
Nemaslug works at temperatures above 5ºC, so apply outdoors during the growing season when the temperature is above that. A Nemaslug Standard Pack treats 40sqm. Each application will control slugs for six weeks.
Unlike Nemaslug, many slug pellets do not work well during wet weather, exactly when you need protection. Nemaslug also kills slugs above and below the ground. To apply, mix the powder with water and apply to the soil around the plant using a watering can fitted with a rose. Apply in a broad band around plants.
For more information and current prices, visit www.greengardener.co.uk.
Nemasys
Nemasys Vine Weevil Killer also contains natural nematodes found in UK soil and has been approved for use in organic gardening by the Soil Association. It also needs a soil temperature of 5ºC, so you can use it under glass all year or outdoors as soon as you discover grubs and the soil is warm enough or apply in the spring and autumn (the grubs are at their most destructive in September/October). A Standard Pack treats 75 x 2-litre pots or 12sqm.
Adult vine weevils feed on foliage, taking distinctive “U” shaped notches from the edge of leaves. Adults are about 1cm long, brownish-black with drab yellow spots on their backs. Leaf damage is a sure sign of vine weevil activity, so check for grubs in the roots of plants.
Nematodes for vine weevils and slugs – Nemasys and vine weevils
They overwinter and emerge as adults in late spring/summer. Vine weevil grubs grow to about 1cm and are creamy coloured and crescent-shaped with an orange head. Affected plants will wilt as more of the roots are destroyed, and the plant will eventually topple over. Nemasys Vine Weevil Killer kills the vine weevil grubs before they attack plants. It contains the natural nematode Steinernema kraussei, which is safe for children, pets and wildlife and can be used on edible crops.
It comes as a powder – mix with water and apply like a liquid feed to the soil around the roots. The nematodes seek out the vine weevil grubs and invade them, multiply inside the grub, killing it. The nematodes are then released back into the soil to get rid of more grubs.
For more information and current prices, visit www.greengardener.co.uk.
