When summer begins, unsightly changes appear on the leaves of the photinia. It is the conspicuous traces of pests feeding on the leaf mass. However, these dreaded pests can only survive under certain conditions.
The vine weevil leaves gnawed leaves
most common cause
Vine weevils prefer to feed on the leaves of evergreen plants such as the medlar. Their feeding marks show up on the edge of the leaf, which was eroded in a crescent shape. Since the vine weevil is nocturnal, it is difficult to spot it during the day. Its search for leaf tissue begins in May and continues into July. Although the beetle finds hardly any suitable living conditions in the heavy and overgrown garden soil, it causes just as much damage to the medlars outdoors as it does to bushes planted in tubs.
Here the vine weevil finds optimal conditions:
- in very light and humus rich soil
- in a substrate rich in peat and compost
- in bog beds, balcony boxes (€109.00) and tubs
combating the pests
Since the beetles seek shelter during the day, weevil traps are an effective control method. The traps consist of a grooved wooden board into which a gel containing nematodes is injected. The Steinernema carpocapsae SC nematodes infect the beetles, reducing their numbers by 80 to 100 percent in two weeks.
Vine weevils lay eggs on the ground throughout the summer. Give the plants irrigation water that has been enriched with nematodes. SK nematodes of the Steinernema kraussei species, which are active at temperatures between eight and twelve degrees Celsius, or HM nematodes of the Heterorhabditis genus, which require temperatures of over twelve degrees Celsius, are suitable for this. The nematodes infect the larvae of the beetle.
Search your plants at dusk and collect the bugs from the plant and the ground. When threatened, the vine weevil will fall to the ground and play dead.
preventive measures
Many purchased plants can be infested with the pest. When buying, look out for possible signs of damage to the leaves and roots. If you buy your plants from specialist companies, you have a better chance of pest-free plants. Environmentally friendly plant strengtheners increase the resilience of the medlar. Brews with tansy, nettle or garlic broth are ideal. Regular watering with the broth scares away the beetles and supports your plants.
[img class=”lazy-skip” src=”https://vg02.met.vgwort.de/na/0b85344a08734abab63138d8d18e28f9″ width=”1″ height=”1″ alt=””]