Vine Weevil Concentration for soil drench - puzzled.

[Chris L]

This is what I've been using for the past few seasons. It is what I've been able to get hold of locally, but now I get from online.
Cover - https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com ... L1024_.jpg
Instructions - https://i.ibb.co/BrYgvZ9/img6.jpg

This is Bug Clear Ultra 2 - and NOT what I am using. Seems to be a "Neem Oil Equv."
https://bcc53877d7aa0a135b9a-1452ca75bf ... a3e734.pdf

Normally I've been adding a half a capful for each bucket of water.

I also use SB Plant Invigorator as a spray.

[gerald]

As such, for the systemic action to occur, the plant does need to be growing and absorbing moisture from the compost.

First watering is exactly that is it not? My plants become bloated after the first water!

[Chris L]

As such, for the systemic action to occur, the plant does need to be growing and absorbing moisture from the compost.

First watering is exactly that is it not? My plants become bloated after the first water!

This year I hope to have a bit more time to keep on top of things in the greenhouse. One of the things I am doing is questioning the way I grow things. What they are growing in, watering regimes, and pest control, amongst other things.

I've always avoided chemicals at the first water because I always forget to buy any until the mealy bugs are awake and the fear of loading up a weakened plant with substances other than water.

For the chemical to be effective against mealy bugs it needs to get to where they are feeding - the below the surface of the plant. So are the chemicals going to best travel there in a plant already full of water (adding chemicals on second water), or in a shrivelled plant (adding at first water)?

Will the chemicals last long enough in the plant if the mealy bugs are still asleep? Does watering the plants wake the mealy bugs up?

[gerald]

I don't think it will do any harm to your plants to add insecticide at this early watering stage. I've done it myself for the past few years and have had no problems with toxicity, and I've yet to hear anybody else report problems either.

For the record I use Bi 58 which I find very effective in controlling root mealies which are by far the worst enemy of cactus.

[Paul D]

I don't think it will do any harm to your plants to add insecticide at this early watering stage. I've done it myself for the past few years and have had no problems with toxicity, and I've yet to hear anybody else report problems either.

For the record I use Bi 58 which I find very effective in controlling root mealies which are by far the worst enemy of cactus.

Do you use it as a drench Gerald?

[gerald]

I do, yes, twice a year; once early in the season (ie first thing) and again in a few months time.

It's the best thing I know to get rid of root mealies.

[Tony R]

I don't think it will do any harm to your plants to add insecticide at this early watering stage. I've done it myself for the past few years and have had no problems with toxicity, and I've yet to hear anybody else report problems either.

For the record I use Bi 58 which I find very effective in controlling root mealies which are by far the worst enemy of cactus.

N.B. Strictly speaking, it is illegal for 'amateur gardeners' to use Bi58 (= dimethoate) in the UK, withdrawn in August 2002.

Yes, it was the best for all sorts of mealies, particularly if you alternated with malathion (also withdrawn!).

[gerald]

Ahem, yes of course I don't really use it, I just wish I could

[Phil_SK]

Could you not apply it as a spray to the plant body? There have been acetamiprid sprays in the past (I think) so it must translocate through the plant body surface.

[jfabiao]

I do, yes, twice a year; once early in the season (ie first thing) and again in a few months time.

It's the best thing I know to get rid of root mealies.

At what dosage do you use it as a drench, Gerald (and what is the concentration of the product you use)? Information on this is very vague.