broad beans again

[sarah]

On closer inspection yesterday I noticed that my broadies are being attacked by what Dr Hessayon describes as pea and bean weevil.  The book reccomends spraying with Fenitrothion. I haven't a clue what that is and haven't had this weevil before.  Any ideas for me? Is there a non chemical way to treat these?

[sarah]

[supersprout]

I used a puffer bottle of Derris dust when this happened last year, it only needed one application to cure the problem. The old boys advised to pick a dry day, after rain or dew, so the dust stuck to the soil, leaves and stems and didn't blow away.

[Rox]

On closer inspection yesterday I noticed that my broadies are being attacked by what Dr Hessayon describes as pea and bean weevil.  The book reccomends spraying with Fenitrothion. I haven't a clue what that is and haven't had this weevil before.  Any ideas for me? Is there a non chemical way to treat these?

Sarah, what does pea and bean weavil damage look like? Some of my broadies are starting to look like they have an onset of rot at the bottom of their stems and given the are very hardy varities (Acquadulce Claudia and Sutton) Im' very perplexed.

[sarah]

Thanks for your advice supersprout I will give it a go asap. :) :)

The damage is quite particular to this weevil Rox. There are neat 'u' shaped munches areound the leaves and inside the curled up new leaves are rather fetching littles weevils.

  I shall see what Dr Hessayon says about rotting stems...... could be foot rot or root rot - treatment lift and burn affected plants and water soil with chestnut compound(?). Prevention - rotate crops. Dont know if thats what your problem is though. so I would check with an expert first! I am sure one will be along soon. ;D

[redimp]

I used a puffer bottle of Derris dust when this happened last year, it only needed one application to cure the problem. The old boys advised to pick a dry day, after rain or dew, so the dust stuck to the soil, leaves and stems and didn't blow away.

Or, on a dry day, water them with a rose ended watering can and then dust with Derris.

[supersprout]

D'oh, never thought of that rc! ::) 8)

[Squashmad]

I tend to just pick off as many of the little blighters as I can - once the Broad Bean plants get to a certain stage they just grow away healthily anyway - and I always get a great crop.

[sarah]

D'oh, never thought of that rc! ::) 8)

I wouldnt've either sprout!  :P  Thanks redclanger