My first row of broad beans look as if they've been attacked with pinking shears! I guess this is bean weevil- never had it before. :(
Is there anything I can do to save these plants and avoid the next lot getting attacked?
Sure it isn't flea beetle? If it is, they cease to be a problem as the plant gets bigger. I never bother about them.
How can I tell the difference, Robert?
If the holes are u-shaped round the edges of the leaves, that's bean weevil. Not usually fatal unless severe, but the larvae attack the roots, and can weaken the plants.
It's possible to catch the adults by hand. Best on a windless day, stealth and good eye sight required. Sometimes they play dead, so don't be fooled. I've heard of folk having success with homemade insecticides such as rhubarb spray.
Just checked on the HDRA/Garden Organic website. And they suggest to do nothing. Usually plants shrug it off. Just give the plants the best growing conditions.
If you save your own seeds, dry them very carefully until they are absolutely dry (a couple of months) and then put them in an airtight jar with a dessicant (the little bags that come in shoe boxes and new handbags - alternatively you can use rice) and stick them in the freezer for 2 days or longer. This kills any surviving beetles and eggs.
There are broad bean beetles (common), pea weevils and bean weevils (rarer, but happens, especially in a warm year). Variations on the same theme, but all of them eat plant leaves and leave notches and all of them survive in seeds, unless frozen. They eat seeds and leave holes in them.
If you don't save your own seeds, don't worry. If you do, check them from time to time or freeze.
A couple of years ago I had some beans in a swap which had weevil holes. You couldn't miss them when planting. I froze the seeds, then planted, and they grew perfectly happily. I think the odd weevil survived as I found one hole in another variety (self-saved seeds) when planting this year, but it really isn't a great problem.
That's good to know- thanks!
I also freeze broad beans and peas fırst now. Had some peas with holes so froze all next year and am now clear.
Quote from: Robert_Brenchley on May 05, 2013, 19:32:32
A couple of years ago I had some beans in a swap which had weevil holes. You couldn't miss them when planting. I froze the seeds, then planted, and they grew perfectly happily. I think the odd weevil survived as I found one hole in another variety (self-saved seeds) when planting this year, but it really isn't a great problem.
I had the same. After freezing the whole batch, I selected the holey ones and germination tested them, surprisingly good germination, slightly funny looking cotyledons where the holes had been.