AusBonsai

Last bit of wind around blew a pot of the shelf -- broke it and revealed 3 curl grubs.

The tree in question was a banksia starter and looked very healthy but the roots were eaten away to about half a toothbrush.

Well I tapped 5 more plants out of their plastic pots and came up with 2 out of the 5 showing curl grubs present. Did not pull the roots apart so there could have been more. Now I do not know the extent of the grub invasion I probably have 20-30 plants a half in bonsai pots (not easy to tap out)... and not a good time of year to re-pot.

Have been reading past posts on these grubs and have some questions.

Has any one used EcoGrub with success ?
When drowning the grubs by submerging in water - how long should you leave the pot submerged to be sure of a result ?
What if EcoGrub is added to the water before submerging ?

Has any one had problems with soil treatment - particularly those for curl grub control ?
Does any one water on a regular basis with the addition of EcoGrub ?

Will the water submersion set the tree on soggy course at this time of year ?

Wow !!! that's a few cries for help - hope you can put down your experiences.

Thanks
David

Hi David

What type of soil are u Using organic / Inorganic ?
I have never heard of Eco grub but I dont like the idea of watering my trees with poison.
My garden is infested with curl grubs .
I think curl grubs don't like inorganic soil . Diatomite etc.
Just submerge all suspect trees over night or before u go to work 8 hrs should do it just 2 make sure .

If you have a well draining soil, then soaking the pot will not have any adverse affects
I have soaked for 1/2 and hour and still had them when repotted later. At least 2-3 hours minimum soak.
Never tried Chemicals.
They seem to not like the dust and hard particles of the diatomite. Several people have tried a 50% mix of diatomite in their normal organic mix with great success in grub control.

Ken

Eco Grub is a rebadged product, previously known as Professor Macs 3 in 1 for lawns. This product was bought out by another company. Hoping this helps.

Hi cuwire , i have contacted several pesticide companies in regards to using their products in pots , due to the fact that i have had huge infestations in the majority of box grown , pot grown collected material over the last few years .I referred to them as pot plants , their reply was the chemical was not tested nor recommended for pot plant situations only open ground . Submerging has been recommended and its probably the best . Give the pots 4 hours , that a long time for a grub to hold its breath .

Cheers Alpineart

I've heard a little soap (pure soap flakes) in the water works well, and won't harm the tree, but soak for at least 6 hrs, many recommend soaking overnight