Vine weevil and lily beetle

[Jack Meatcher]

In the last couple of years I've taken to using a Vine Weevil drench on all my pots (predominantly Narcissus, Tulipa and Fritillaria). The drench is quite expensive but I felt it was worth it to protect my bulbs. This year I noticed a considerable reduction in Lily Beetle infestation. In fact, I had three - one on a Frit in Spring and two on L. pyrenaica. All beetles looked decidely lethargic or dead. My neighbour's lilies across the road were infested. Any thoughts/experience on/of this approach?

Jack

[Maggi Young]

Oh Jack, if this experience is repeated elsewhere you could have a lot of relieved growers thanking you.
I am very happy to say we have not suffered with Lily Beetle attacks, but I know that those who have get very annoyed indeed and would be glad to know of anything that might help.

[mark smyth]

Last year and this year I drenched and watered my Frit imperialis with a pesticide to stop lily beetles. Cant remember the name just now. Quite a lot last year and only one dying lily beetle this year. No babies this year

[Jacek]

I have not much experience as I fight with Lily Beetles with my eyes and fingers but I believe insecticides are not really selective. If they work for Vine Weevil they may be equally effective against Beetles. I suppose your Weevil drench contains systemic insecticide that is taken up by roots and all parts of the plant become toxic to any insect. Including pollen and nectar. The dark side is toxicity to pollinators.

[Jack Meatcher]

Jacek,

Thanks for the pointer that systemic insecticides also make the pollen toxic. I hadn't thought of that. Sorry it's taken so long to respond.

Jack

[mark smyth]

I've never seen bees take pollen or nectar from my Frit imperialis

[Maggi Young]

Mostly wasps that visit our Frits - whether outside or in the glasshouse.