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Independence, MO

Hi all. I have a couple of questions regarding Merit.

First of all, when do I apply it? I just started my plants
in pots, and plan on putting them in the patch May 1.

Question: Do I apply it right before I plant?

Second, I have a dog who frequents the backyard.

Question: Are there any health risks that I should be
concerned about with Merit being in the patch and my puppy
taking hourly visits in the backyard? (The patch is fenced
off, but I want to be safe)

Third, I've had both Beetles and Borers the past two years
(twice the fun)

Question: Will Merit eliminate both?
(I really want a successful year, meaning I don't care how
large of a pumpkin I grow *pfft* but would really enjoy
making it all the way to the end of the season for a change)

Thanks guys.

4/21/2006 8:35:26 PM

Ctpumpkin@optonline.net

Treat up to 2 weeks prior or on the same day they go into the ground for Cucumber Beetles. any later & the cucumber Beetles might have a feast on the tender seedlings.

The active ingredient in Merit is Imidacloprid which is labeled for use on dogs as Advantage in a special formulation from the vet or a good Pet store. Follow the Merit label & keep the dog out of the patch until the Merit is watered in anyway. Advantage is sold in a special gel that is formulated for use on his skin. Merit is not.

Here is the Specimen Label for the Advantage:

http://www.bayeranimal.com/pdf/label/Advantage_all.pdf

Here is the MSDS for Advantage:

http://www.bayeranimal.com/pdf/msds/companion/Advantage%2050395%20to%2050400.pdf

Here is a link for the Bayer animal care website:

http://www.bayeranimal.com/vet-0001.htm

If your pet has an type of chemical hypersensitivity then you should consult your vet before using anything. But you would probably already know if he was chemical sensitive.

You don't mention which formulation of Merit that you're planning to use. If the vet is consulted, he'll need the label & MSDS for the specific formulation you have. Locate those here:

http://www.cdms.net/pfa/LUpdateMsg.asp

As a rule, there should be no danger so long as the animal is kept out of the patch until the Merit is watered in & permitted to dry. So the 24 hour rule of thumb is considered a reasonable precaution.

4/21/2006 10:22:16 PM

Ctpumpkin@optonline.net

Merit will SUPPRESS Squash Vine borers. I once CONTROLLED them after they were active in an untreated plant. We made up a solution of Merit 75WP in a watering can & drenched the affected vines. The following day the larva were dead or dying even though their damage was already done.

Since then, we've always retreated our own patch right before the normal adult SVB arrival date of July 1st (around here).

No matter though since a decent contact spray of Bifenthrin or Lambda-cyhalothrin is more effective AND legally labeled for their control.

Remember that a systemic like Imidacloprid only works on an insect that is FEEDING on the treated planted. Since the adult SVB doesn't feed prior to laying eggs, a contact insecticide is still preferred. I only advise the second (JULY 1st) Meritapplication as a cheap form of insurance should I miss an adult with the contact spray.

4/21/2006 10:28:32 PM

Doylestown, PA

Does anyone know is using a chemical like merit will have a negative effect on mycorrhizae fungus if I'm also applying that to my plants?

4/24/2006 5:38:18 PM

Ctpumpkin@optonline.net

Most modern insecticides don't bother mycorrhizae. Merit is OK. SI Fungicides will take it down though.

4/24/2006 6:38:35 PM

Chico, Ca

SI fungicides?

4/28/2006 2:32:15 AM

Ctpumpkin@optonline.net

SI = Sterol Inhibitor

Fungicides in this group include Nova/Eagle, Bayleton, Banner, etc. They are also called DMI fungicides. When used as drenches, these fungicides will suppress mycorrhizae. If kept to the foliage with minimal dripping, their effect is negligible.

4/28/2006 7:53:05 AM