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Denver, CO

I understand that Merit should have been applied back in April prior to planting and then again around 90 days out, our 15th of July. Can I use it right now, maybe 2 weeks or so before attempting to pollinate?

Just found about 1/2 inch to 1 inch long white pupa stage things, which are about a 1/2 inch around, in my patch. They have a darker line down thier top side. Have about 2 to 3 per shovel full right now. Never seen them before, I am assuming they are a grub but cant find a good colored picture to confirm. A couple of leafs have been chewed on by somthing, used Sevin and that seemed to stop

Any help is great. Thanks

6/25/2006 6:08:20 PM

[email protected]

Merit isn't the best insecticide for SVB. Imidacloprid isn't labeled for SVB in any form. I have personally seen it work but timing is critical.

I would recommend Bifenthrin (Talstar), Lambda-cyhalothrin (Scimitar, Warrior, Triazicide, etc) or even Sevin for SVB instead.

Either way, Merit doesn't interfere with flowers or fruit set. Neither does any other insecticide that you would be likely to use. But do keep all sprays & even irrigation water out of open flowers.

6/25/2006 7:30:35 PM

Denver, CO

Thanks Tremor! I will try to find one of the insectitcides you recomneded, and I am glad to know they will not interfere with pollination and fruit set.

6/25/2006 9:23:41 PM

Colo.Spgs.CO. Pikes Peak Chapter @ [email protected]

Greg, down here south of you we stay away from all pesticides and chemicals if we can help it, as it makes for a healthier patch and better growing plant. We use nematodes for grub control,here is a link to the place where we get them, http://www.hydro-gardens.com/Field_Guardian.html I would not say 4 per shovel is a bad invasion, as I have seen 50+ per shovel full of dirt. I also would not worry about SVB problems either, as I have never seen the problem ever here in Colorado in my 12 years of growing, and to my knowledge they do not exist here in our state. The problem we most often see is an invasion of whiteflies, and powdery mildew, beware of those two, as it indicates an end to your season even with the best control I know of. Hope this helps.... Good luck...James

6/26/2006 2:38:27 AM

Mocksville, NC

Sambo saved my patch last year my mains were about7' then i applied merit i still ended up with a fare crop so i would say go for it, and put it down, (put the right amount down)Water it in good, and Tremor once posted it may be beneficial to add a little nitrogen so the roots will go right for it, Tremor it does work!!!he he

6/26/2006 6:28:40 PM