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Vine weevils are beetles. They have a
long thin snout and are approximately 8-14 mm (¼ to ½ inch) in
length. They are dull black with patches of tiny yellow bristles.
They cannot fly but can walk 3 miles in a year.
All adults are female and lay hundreds
of white eggs, approximately 0.8 mm in diameter and round. They
rapidly turn brown as they mature.
The eggs are often confused with slow
release fertiliser pellets, such as, Osmocote, which are found in
most common compost mixes. The Osmocote pellets are 2 mm in
diameter, release liquid fertiliser when squashed and range in
colour from yellow to dark brown.
The vine weevil larvae feed and grow
throughout late summer and autumn. During winter their growth slows
as temperatures decrease and feeding activity also decreases. As
the temperature rises in spring, the larvae's activity starts to
increase again causing more and more root damage
The vine weevil grub (larvae) is far more of a
danger to plants than the adults. The young larvae feed on plant
root systems, initially on small fine outer roots, but
progressively attacking the more important main roots as they grow
bigger.
Primulas, fuchsias, begonias, most
evergreen plants and all plants in pots are particularly at risk.
They also attack strawberry and raspberry plants.
Vine Weevil
Killer
Nemasys Vine Weevil Killer is the simple
solution to control vine weevil.
This already successful product has now been
substantially improved. Over many years we have been working with
HRI, the leading UK based horticulture research group, to bring
forward this exciting development.
Nemasys Vine Weevil Killer contains a newly
found nematode, Steinernema kraussei. This new nematode has
some very impressive benefits including;
• Ability to work at cold temperatures. This new nematode
will work at temperatures down to 5ºC (40ºF)
(Heterorhabditis required a minimum of 12ºC (54ºF)), so that
you can protect your plants earlier in the year.
• Most gardeners notice that they have a problem with vine
weevils in February/March (this is when they notice their plants
are sick), previously they had to wait until April/May to apply
Nemasys Vine Weevil Killer, now they can use the product straight
away from March onwards.
• Prevention is better than cure, so it is better to apply
the product in autumn, before the problem develops. Again the
new Nemasys Vine Weevil Killer nematode will provide much improved
performance here. In particular, gardeners can apply it well into
November, providing a much longer application window.
To keep a minor problem at bay, one autumn
treatment (September - November) should be adequate.
For a serious infestation, treat in the spring and again in the
autumn
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