From

Location

Message

Date Posted

Anchorage, Alaska

I read the package and it says not to use in vegetable gardens. However, my dirt has got a few grubs (and some are likely to be the dreaded SVB). The perimeter of my patch is surrounded with onions and garlic.

Is there a safer alternative to this chemical? Maybe a giant, determined chicken would do the trick...

4/4/2009 9:41:35 AM

Somerset Ky

merit 75% wsp

4/4/2009 11:47:30 AM

Eugene,OR

The active ingredient that is in Grub Ex is the same as the active ingredient in Merit.

4/4/2009 11:59:20 AM

Menomonie, WI ([email protected])

Both have the same active ingredient..imidacloprid. I would not use imidacloprid on a green leafy crop I intended to eat or a root crop either. It is suppose to stay in the plant part. There is conflicting data out there that says something else.

The grubs you are seeing are most likely Beetle Larvae, either June, Apple Chafer or Japanese. The Squash Vine Borers then to stay in the old vines.

Frequent soil tilling and chickens would work :). I think Erin would lend you a few sea gulls.

4/4/2009 11:59:51 AM

[email protected]

Imidacloprid does not kill third instar grubs (which is what MO has right now) even though there are plenty of versions that can be used on edible crops. Once grubs have over-wintered they are too for Imidacloprid regardless what the garden center says. Dylox would work but can NEVER be used on food crops. Sevin is the only safe/legal product for large grubs in vegies.

4/4/2009 6:59:05 PM

[email protected]

Imidacloprid does not kill third instar grubs (which is what MO has right now) even though there are plenty of versions that can be used on edible crops. Once grubs have over-wintered they are too LARGE for Imidacloprid regardless what the garden center says. Dylox would work but can NEVER be used on food crops. Sevin is the only safe/legal product for large grubs in vegies.

4/4/2009 7:02:01 PM

anytown U.S,A,

So can dylox be used on AG's if they are never eaten?

4/4/2009 8:17:37 PM

Colorado Springs, CO

Avoid the chemicals, even if you are not eating the pumpkin you are growing. Since you acknowledge many of these insects to be soil-borne then why not consider a generous application of beneficial nematodes in those specific locations where your stump and vine network will be sited ? They will deal with the grubs (and other undesired critters and/or eggs)....long before the grubs knows what hit 'em.

I guess, because these giant pumpkins are not grown for consumption, certain wonder yet exists for why so many are hasty to resort to chemicals to remedy hassles in the patch !

4/5/2009 3:12:30 PM

Anchorage, Alaska

Ah, the answer was right in front of me! Thanks for all the advice.

http://www.bigpumpkins.com/nepga/ViewArticle.asp?id=27

4/6/2009 12:40:26 AM

[email protected]

Dylox will not harm the plant or fruit. Trichlorfon was once used on crops in Europe & briefly here in the US. You just can't sell the thing for food. Growing for your own decorative purposes is you prerogative.

I've yet to see a hoard of beneficial nematodes benefit any but the merchant.

4/9/2009 10:46:00 PM