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Produce => Pests & Diseases => Topic started by: strawberry1 on March 15, 2014, 21:46:26

Title: I found a cutworm
Post by: strawberry1 on March 15, 2014, 21:46:26
ugh, it appeared when I pulled a caulie plant up. I lost several young plants last year and always suspected cutworm as the stalks were severed from the roots. Two caulies left and I will then de-net and dig around so maybe birds can get to the grubs and I will have to get out my diatomaceous earth to form circles around young plants. Thank goodness, I have a few months to get looking
Title: Re: I found a cutworm
Post by: Jayb on March 16, 2014, 17:34:19
I wonder if the mild winter has played a part? I see the pupae somtimes.
If you haven't already read this, it looks a good information sheet from Garden Organics http://www.gardenorganic.org.uk/pdfs/international_programme/TPC12-Cutworm.pdf
Title: Re: I found a cutworm
Post by: strawberry1 on March 18, 2014, 18:38:50
That was interesting jayb. We forked the soil up today and didn`t see any more. Some good tips on that link and I am going to use observation, d.earth and will be growing bigger sturdy plants to put in. I also like the tin can idea as it will also protect from wind. I have one more caulie to take out and will then make absolutely sure that there is nothing there for the grubs to eat.

http://www.toxicfreenc.org/organicgardening/cutworms.html (http://www.toxicfreenc.org/organicgardening/cutworms.html)

I see that plastic bottles will also work, good because I have lots used for watering. A handy tip