I inject my Zuccs and squashes with BT into the base of the main stem and lower leaf stems. I do this once as a preventive measure when the plants are big enough and it's warm enough for borer. I think the BT stays active due to the moist dark environment in the stems. Borer flies and lays eggs whatever. I don't worry about it. Larva dies not long after it gets a faceful of that BT. All my zuccs and squashes are doing pretty good.
Another option if you do not want to use row covers is get them in the ground really early and get a giant Harvest before they get them. I started going mine inside and when I put them out on April 8th by the mid of May I had tons and tons of zucchini
I go late with mine .I set my started plants out after the 4th of July & had good luck that way. I did loose a Red Kury winter squash last year as it was planted earlier .
From my experience, this foil method hasn’t been effective, as I have seen the moth lay eggs from beneath the soil line all the way up as far as the leaves of the plant. The larva hatch and burrow anywhere along the main stem. The “surgery” method isn’t effective either because as I stated earlier, the larva can be anywhere along the main stem, so it is difficult if not impossible to be sure you have removed all larva. Normally there are more than just a couple. You would have to make a slit along the entire length of the main stem, and that would kill the plant anyway. I cannot attest to the chemical methods, because I do not use chemical methods of pest control. It would seem that the only organic method to deal with SVB would be to grow them in enclosed spaces. Unfortunately, not a great option for those growing in limited amount space.
Yes, I agree - I tried wrapping the stem in Ace Bandage and then wrapping with foil - I was (I think) too late so this year it's earlier with panty hose, row cover and as suggested by another garden, placing a styrofoam cup over the young plant (bottom cut out) with edge below ground (as with hose). I'm declaring Unrestricted warfare! Be afraid be very afraid!!!! Check out Yankee Homsteader for cup info.
You would have to cover ALL the stems on the entire plant with foil...They don't just lay their eggs on the base stem....They lay them on ANY stem on the plant!!!
They also lay eggs on leaf stem then make there way to the main stem. This makes foil useless.If you have some yellowing leafs pull them off at the base and you may catch the larvae entering from that sneaky location. If yo do not see holes in the main stem but the main stem is turing pale to white. They have probably snuck their way in through a leaf stem. Then when you break up the leaf stem you will see the frass inside the hollow area.
a list of potential solutions to squash vine borer on this page listed under Output - savemysquashplantsfromborers.com/ trying to accumulate data on what works to stop borers. Please fill out input form if you used a method listed and had success or failed. Thanks
Disappointing. This pest has been here for what...decades? Was hoping for some new ideas. Crop rotation is useless since this is a flying pest. I have even had the SVB infest the squash themselves so the egg must have been laid on the squash. Not sure how to prevent this but if anyone has an idea, would love to hear it.
I inject my Zuccs and squashes with BT into the base of the main stem and lower leaf stems. I do this once as a preventive measure when the plants are big enough and it's warm enough for borer. I think the BT stays active due to the moist dark environment in the stems. Borer flies and lays eggs whatever. I don't worry about it. Larva dies not long after it gets a faceful of that BT. All my zuccs and squashes are doing pretty good.
I will be doing the same thing tomorrow.
Another option if you do not want to use row covers is get them in the ground really early and get a giant Harvest before they get them. I started going mine inside and when I put them out on April 8th by the mid of May I had tons and tons of zucchini
I go late with mine .I set my started plants out after the 4th of July & had good luck that way. I did loose a Red Kury winter squash last year as it was planted earlier .
From my experience, this foil method hasn’t been effective, as I have seen the moth lay eggs from beneath the soil line all the way up as far as the leaves of the plant. The larva hatch and burrow anywhere along the main stem. The “surgery” method isn’t effective either because as I stated earlier, the larva can be anywhere along the main stem, so it is difficult if not impossible to be sure you have removed all larva. Normally there are more than just a couple. You would have to make a slit along the entire length of the main stem, and that would kill the plant anyway. I cannot attest to the chemical methods, because I do not use chemical methods of pest control. It would seem that the only organic method to deal with SVB would be to grow them in enclosed spaces. Unfortunately, not a great option for those growing in limited amount space.
Yes, I agree - I tried wrapping the stem in Ace Bandage and then wrapping with foil - I was (I think) too late so this year it's earlier with panty hose, row cover and as suggested by another garden, placing a styrofoam cup over the young plant (bottom cut out) with edge below ground (as with hose). I'm declaring Unrestricted warfare! Be afraid be very afraid!!!! Check out Yankee Homsteader for cup info.
Also check out Rusted Garden - suggests sprinkling Sevin dust on stem.
There are organic "chemicals." BT is one of these.
You would have to cover ALL the stems on the entire plant with foil...They don't just lay their eggs on the base stem....They lay them on ANY stem on the plant!!!
They also lay eggs on leaf stem then make there way to the main stem. This makes foil useless.If you have some yellowing leafs pull them off at the base and you may catch the larvae entering from that sneaky location. If yo do not see holes in the main stem but the main stem is turing pale to white. They have probably snuck their way in through a leaf stem. Then when you break up the leaf stem you will see the frass inside the hollow area.
I bought some syringes, filled them with bt and instilled it inside the hollow vine. Now for squash bug infestation.
Very good video!
You left out SVB lures
a list of potential solutions to squash vine borer on this page listed under Output - savemysquashplantsfromborers.com/
trying to accumulate data on what works to stop borers. Please fill out input form if you used a method listed and had success or failed. Thanks
CAN YOU SPELL THOSER SPRAYS ANMD WHERE CAN I GET THEM?
BEneficial nematodes
Disappointing. This pest has been here for what...decades? Was hoping for some new ideas.
Crop rotation is useless since this is a flying pest.
I have even had the SVB infest the squash themselves so the egg must have been laid on the squash. Not sure how to prevent this but if anyone has an idea, would love to hear it.
Go Hawks