Chafer Grubs.. crows.. rooks.

[Muddyroads]

We’ve had the same problem on organic veg ground which followed a grass ley. First crop of brassicas were destroyed. Hoping that a second planting since the crows have had a few belly fulls and some incoming rain will give us a second chance. For some reason it’s only a problem in 1 field.

 

[Breakthru]

As posted above, no chemical control options available/legal now, or for some time. @Breakthru has a product that may help (supposed to help with leatherjackets & slugs) which isn't a conventional insecticide, and which doesn't cost the earth to try either.

Definitely does Leatherjackets wireworm and slugs. Not sure about Chafers but has no effect Cutworm larvae but they are mostly found in non agricultural situations.

 

[Breakthru]

We’ve had the same problem on organic veg ground which followed a grass ley. First crop of brassicas were destroyed. Hoping that a second planting since the crows have had a few belly fulls and some incoming rain will give us a second chance. For some reason it’s only a problem in 1 field.

Originally did all the work in organic as Chlorpyrifos (Dursban) was the default at that time for everything else. Was very successful.

 

[Muddyroads]

Originally did all the work in organic as Chlorpyrifos (Dursban) was the default at that time for everything else. Was very successful.

Nematodes?

 

[Breakthru]

Nematodes?

Yes, but there are so many types can't guarantee them all. Bit like Lj's and Cutworm larvae, look the same, nails the former but not the latter. Cutworm can be driven to the surface with the potato rate of Breakthru where the corvids eat them without damaging the pasture or lawn grass.

 

[bottletopbill]

Few thousand shooters ready on standby to help protect the farm and will also be extra security. But please check they hold a licence and insurance cover will only let people who i have checked out to be safe. Will also pass on there names to other farmers who want there land shot.

 

[davidroberts30]

Is this a chaffer grub?was about 65/70mm long

 

[ollie989898]

Is this a chaffer grub?was about 65/70mm longView attachment 988255

Yes. They grow into beautiful beetles. There is nothing you can do. I've seen this a few times. Common in old pastures that have been down a fair time. Often see them during ploughing. I'm not even sure dursban did anything to them.

 

[davidroberts30]

Yes. They grow into beautiful beetles. There is nothing you can do. I've seen this a few times. Common in old pastures that have been down a fair time. Often see them during ploughing. I'm not even sure dursban did anything to them.

just been looking its a stag beetle grub not a chaffer

 

[davidroberts30]

Yes. They grow into beautiful beetles. There is nothing you can do. I've seen this a few times. Common in old pastures that have been down a fair time. Often see them during ploughing. I'm not even sure dursban did anything to them.

next door were ploughing out a 60+year old ley

 

[ollie989898]

Some googling has revealed that Syngenta had a product called Acelepryn, for use on high value grass areas. Might want to sit down as it doesn't have full approval and costs about £600 for 600ml!

To damage to grass from these pests is more due to predators hunting for them in which case lead or a trap is your only realistic option.

 

[Breakthru]

Some googling has revealed that Syngenta had a product called Acelepryn, for use on high value grass areas. Might want to sit down as it doesn't have full approval and costs about £600 for 600ml!

To damage to grass from these pests is more due to predators hunting for them in which case lead or a trap is your only realistic option.

You can drive them to the surface where the covids eat them without damaging the turf.

 

[Muddyroads]

You can drive them to the surface where the covids eat them without damaging the turf.

I knew covids must have some sort of benefit!

 

[Breakthru]

I knew covids must have some sort of benefit!

Exactly, the only time I have ever found them useful. Was a very surprising side effect of a potato rate (2X) of Bthru on Osr stubble in the evening that was heaving in slugs and leather jackets. Nailed the slugs but drove the Lj's to the surface where those black b's consumed them. Wasn't my idea it was the farmers but hey ho if you can't be good be lucky.

 

[Muddyroads]

Exactly, the only time I have ever found them useful. Was a very surprising side effect of a potato rate (2X) of Bthru on Osr stubble in the evening that was heaving in slugs and leather jackets. Nailed the slugs but drove the Lj's to the surface where those black b's consumed them. Wasn't my idea it was the farmers but hey ho if you can't be good be lucky.

Are you sure it wasn’t corvids that did the good work?

 

[Pan mixer]

Nice slow ballast roll

 

[Rod Dumbreck]

I knew covids must have some sort of benefit!

Brilliant, next you'll say that the moles....

 

[Breakthru]

Are you sure it wasn’t corvids that did the good work?

Crows only appeared in droves when Lj's driven to the surface. Could have used the garlic mix and got both but he just used what was on hand and had a surprising result. Bit like the anecdotal evidence that Breakthru has an effect on CSFB by denying them anywhere to hide in the soil so they move on.