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Picton,ON (j.vincent@xplornet.ca)

I know this subject probably has been beaten to death, but what is the best "organic" product to control Cucumber beetles? I'm wondering if neem oil will work and if so what strength and how often to apply.

Are there other products that will work?

5/28/2007 11:47:58 AM

Www.extremepumpkinstore.com

Garlic Barrier

5/28/2007 1:15:25 PM

garlic barrier for prevention,,when they take a liking to garlic then neem will work,,I used it at half the recommended dose and applied every 7-10 days seemed to work last year,,,also sets the pant up for PM resistance later on IMO

5/28/2007 4:35:16 PM

plant* ,dang spell check failed again

5/28/2007 4:49:29 PM

Ctpumpkin@optonline.net

The back side of a shovel if it's made of wood is organic.

Ditto using Garlic Barrier as a repellent.

5/28/2007 7:01:44 PM

San Jose garysand@pacbell.net

neem seemed to work as well, some report of leaf burning, we had no problems, always sprayed in the evening, and always added 2tbs of baking soda per gallon

5/29/2007 11:18:27 PM

Boulder County Colorado USA planet Earth

I have used sticky fly traps, but that catches everything.

5/30/2007 11:24:26 AM

Minnesota(dw447@fastmail.fm)

I haven't seen cuc beetles here yet. Should I start spraying plants with garlic barrier now, before they show up...or wait till I see them?

6/4/2007 7:13:58 PM

Ctpumpkin@optonline.net

How often can you check the plants? They have been active all over New England now. Perhaps a call to thelocal cooperative extension will give you the "local opinion". Spraying garlic preventively is harmless if you can afford it.

6/6/2007 9:43:18 PM

Minnesota(dw447@fastmail.fm)

Thanks Tremor.

6/8/2007 6:14:42 PM

Minnesota(dw447@fastmail.fm)

Gary, or anyone else, what's the baking powder for?
Why is neem effective? Do the plants absorb it, and then it's toxic for the cuke beetles; or if it's on the plant, do the beetles decide not to munch? Is it best to use a wetting agent with the neem?

6/12/2007 11:30:56 PM

Ctpumpkin@optonline.net

No one said anything about baking powder.

If you're thinking about baking SODA then it is used like a fungicide for Powdery Mildew. Baking soda isn't the best organic choice for PM though. Baking Soda is Sodium bicarbonate. Potassium bicarbonate is the best bet & it is marketed as a PM fungicide under the trade name ARMICARB.

Both work best when added to a 1% Spray Oil solution.

6/13/2007 10:52:58 PM

Minnesota(dw447@fastmail.fm)

Yes, I meant soda. Thanks again Steve.

6/13/2007 11:40:02 PM

Minnesota(dw447@fastmail.fm)

Yes, I meant soda. Thanks again Steve.

6/13/2007 11:40:03 PM