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| Just wanted to share my success story. It's only been 3 weeks, but so far I seem to have the upper hand. For the past 3 years, I've been unable to grow summer squash because of vine borer damage. Well, after reading a number of threads on bt injections, I gave it a try. AND... It's working! For now anyway.
On or about May 12, I detected the first signs of SVB damage. Prior to this, I scrubbed away tiny eggs, mounded dirt around plants and kept close watch for the wasp-like adult. I did this EVERY single day! I have 10 plants, 3 zucchini and 7 crookneck. Somehow, I missed the eggs and my plants were infected anyway. I mixed a few drops of BT liquid in 16oz of water then used a 1cc syringe to inject plants. I tried a much larger syringe (the kind with a point, but no needle) but with no success. The liquid would not penetrate. I switched to a much smaller 1cc syringe (leftover from pet meds) and injected a half syringe a few inches above each hole. I injected a bit more here and there for good measure, including uninfected plants. As a final layer of protection, I covered the base of each plant with Dipel dust and have continued to do so after each watering. So far, it's working! Hurray!! I'm not recommending this method, just sharing my success. If you have had success with another method, please share. So far, I have not had to inject plants again. Aside from a magnesium deficiency in the zucchini, my plants are doing well. Two things I'd like to mention here. First, my plants had not yet set fruit, so I was really surprised to see SVB damage so early, but I believe this is why I always missed them in prior years. I waited too late to check plants. I never had success digging out or cutting through vines. Plants always died anyway. Also, the warning sign was a little different this time. As in the past, my plants wilted. However the infected plants wilted eeeever sooo slightly. It was barely noticeable. I only noticed because I had been checking plants daily. As of now, no more wilting, lots of fruit and my lovely little bees are safe. I never dust in the morning when bees are pollinating. |
Here is a link that might be useful: SVB Thread
Follow-Up Postings:
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| Well this gives me hope. I've also been scrubbing eggs away and I know I've missed some because vines really are too hard to see all sides of when they're sprawling. I just preemptively injected the vines I can't really check with BT. If I see damage I'll inject more locally, though. Insulin needle worked great for me. |
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| I can suggest the kind of syringe used for injecting flavorings into meat. |
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- Posted by ourhappyhome 10 (My Page) on Tue, Jun 5, 12 at 8:27
| ltilton, I think that's the most popular choice. It's also easy to come by. I planned to buy one, but fell in love with my little 1cc syringe. It was so easy to use. The fine needle went right through with no trouble and the whole it left behind was nearly invisible. |
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- Posted by DFW_Gardener 7b (My Page) on Tue, Jun 5, 12 at 20:56
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- Posted by ourhappyhome 10 (My Page) on Tue, Jun 5, 12 at 21:27
| DFW Gardener, nice video. I too try my best to grow organically, but it's not always possible. I read of others who suggest painting on the insecticide, rather than spraying. It keeps the insecticide away from the flowers and bees. I use Dipel dust because it is (supposedly) not harmful to bees when used according to instructions. I dust in the evening when bees have gone and flowers have closed. |
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| Where are the eggs typically laid and how do you scrub them? Thank you! |
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- Posted by ourhappyhome 10 (My Page) on Wed, Jun 6, 12 at 21:52
| Eggs are typically laid at the base of the plant, near the soil. As the plant grows, this may change. The bigger issue is how to identify the eggs. They are teeny tiny and look like little black/brown specs of dirt. They are even smaller than squash bug eggs which are laid in clusters above or beneath leaves. Try to google an image. To scrub, I use my hand or a soft towel to briskly rub along the stem. Some folks suggest covering the stem in vicks vapor rub. Never tried it myself. I do cover base of plants with Dipel (BT) dust. Sevin dust will also work but you must be very, very careful to avoid all flowers, especially during morning hours when bees are pollinating. Sevin dust is very dangerous to bees while Dipel dust is not. |
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| Thank you! I'm ready for battle. : ) |
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