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Aldie, VA

Just a thought . . . would it be possible to inject insecticide into the hollow area of the vine about 3 feet above the stump and have it "run" down to the bottom? To kill borers? Or pierce a small hole near the stump so the insecticide runs out and doesn't accumulate -- maybe just "coats" the inside of the vine? Would that kill the plant?

It probably would but since it's all hollow, I had to ask. Has anyone tried anything like this?

Is it a stupid question? :)

*blush*
Roan

8/23/2004 8:31:09 PM

Ctpumpkin@optonline.net

Nothing stupid about it at all. This can be & is done if Squash Vine Borers get into the plant. I see no reason to make another hole to drain the vine. More holes are more opportunities for problems.

Needles or syringes are really only needed for contact insecticides. Because they only work on contact, the needle is used to place the insecticide where the borer larva is.

True systemic insecticides like Merit or Admire will enter the plant & translocate without the aid of a syringe. Root absorption is the normal means of using these so early treatment is the best bet. Though I have witnessed a watering can drench treatment that provided systemic control in less than 2 days.

Since making holes in the vascular system is part of the damage the borers cause, our using the natural vascular system to move the insecticides to the targeted pest is a much better way to control SVBs.

8/23/2004 10:03:44 PM

Aldie, VA

I don't feel so dumb anymore :)

My thoughts were the if one could coat the inside of the vine *prior* -- hopefully -- to the SVB intrusion, would it not kill them once they enter the vine and start chewing away? This is based on the assumption that you usually can't kill them all beforehand.

I got this idea after reading about how well soaking the seeds in insecticide for 10 minutes prior to planting did. Apparently it did a good job, but for a limited time. So I thought that if one followed this type of thing up with an injection later on. . .

Roan

8/23/2004 10:39:09 PM

Aldie, VA

Also, I read on several plant pest sites that spraying did nothing to the borers already present in the vine. Which makes sense, but what you are saying is a different thing and I'm surprised that root soaking isn't covered on those other sites?

Questions! Questions! But it really helps to understand ones enemy before entering battle :)

Roan

8/23/2004 10:41:57 PM

Ctpumpkin@optonline.net

When the eggs first hatch & the young Borers start "boring", then the serious & often Restricted Use insecticides to which I speak will control some of them. Properly times though, the intent is to kill the egg laying adult before she has a chance to lay.

Try doing a search on this sight for " Imidacloprid " which is the active ingredient in Merit, Admire, etc.

It isn't labeled for post hatch control of Squash Vine Borers. But I have observed it working on them so long as the treatment is timely & made at the highest labeled rate.

And you are correct about other "plant pest sites". Most of them are only frequented my enthusiastic amatuers. This webiste has a handful of professional growers. And there are 2 of us here at BP that are in the commercial supply field. There is also at least one "lurker" who grows & reads this site but never posts who is also in the commercial supply trade.

We're learning all the time Roan. BP is quite a unique & informative resource.

8/24/2004 7:19:14 AM

Aldie, VA

Hopefully I can buy that stuff over the web 'cause local "Home Town One Stop Handy Man" places like Home Depot and Lowes don't carry anything like that that I've seen.

I'll also phone around some more professional gardening places and see if they stock it.

Glad I'm not such an enthusiastic amature anymore -- just an amature :)

I'm very thankful for your, and everyone else's, help on this site. It's a gold mine of knowledge.

Thanks, Tremor!

8/24/2004 10:38:50 PM