Beasties

[Obi 1]

Just found this on an auto 8/9 weeks in. Checked the rest of the leaves i could found another couple of green caterpillars but no more eggs.

 

[mrking]

God damn!!!

 

[FelipeBlu]

Better get some BT or spinosad!

 

[Obi 1]

Is it safe to use as the plants are only two weeks ftom harvest

 

[FelipeBlu]

Yes

 

[Obi 1]

Whats BT? Spinosad , not sure its available in UK.

 

[FelipeBlu]

Bacillus thuringiensis
It is a natural occurring bacteria which is a systemic deterrent (makes plant taste bad to bugs/makes them sick). G00gle will find it for ya.

 

[Obi 1]

Maltodextrin is used as a horticultural insecticide both in the field and in greenhouses. It has no physiological or biochemical action. Its efficacy is based upon spraying a dilute solution upon the pest insects, whereupon the solution dries, blocks the insects' spiracles and causes death by asphyxiation.

Anyone have thoughts on this as i have some in the house.

 

[FelipeBlu]

Thanks for that information! I have no experience with this. Let’s ask others.

Hey @InTheShed , a potential new IPM method using Maltodextrin!

 

[FelipeBlu]

Here’s the PDFS for a product containing maltodextrin for use as a pesticide (for spider mites among others!)

https://www.dejex.co.uk/productpdfs/212_insecticides/CHEM-MAJ-005_Majestik_Label.pdf

 

[InTheShed]

Fascinating! Seems pretty spider-mite specific, not that that's a bad thing. Just that "[v]ery limited data suggest some reduction of whitefly and aphids may be achieved."

Another tool in the tool kit. @Obi 1! Not sure it will work on your caterpillars though I just bought some BT for the summer .