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I am growing normal courgettes in a well manured bed and today found 2 plants that had had their stems eaten by something at just below ground level. They had been eaten right through. The courgettes were well establisned with 4-6 leaves and 5 or 6 small evolving fruits. On inspection another plant had also been ravaged but not quite 100%. I fear some pest may be doing this but am clueless as to what. Slugs are well under control with nemaslug. I found some 3cm yellow brown many legged insects wiggly insects near one of the plants - no idea what these are. can anyone help?

If it isn't a big soil dwelling slug... which would be my prime suspect there are several root munching grubs like leather jackets which could do that. Your wiggler sounds like a centipede, one of the good guys!
???

I would have thought that sort of damage is from a slug. I could be wrong but I think nemaslug only works on smaller slugs. When did you first apply the nemaslug?

nemaslug applied twice so far. mid April and then 2w ago and it rained for 3 days after application
if it is a slug its munching through about one inch of stem
thansk fpr advice so far

any solutions to leather jackets. I have heard jeyes fluid may be helpful. any organic approaches?

you'll be surprised what slugs can munch their way through, I've had a giant sunflower with approx 1" stem chopped in half by a slug. >:(

leatherjackets? see them, pick them up and crush them.

Big grubs like leather jackets are, literally, terminally lazy. They usually stay near the chewed stem and a good firkle uncovers them, then follow Svea's advice!
;D