Vine Weevils in my Fig, Help!

[nightshade]

I have vine weevil grubs in my Fig tree (Brown Turkey) found when changing the soil
Do they live in the top 3-4 inches of soil or all the way through? is there an organic method
of removing them other than watering in nematods as I do enjoy my fresh figs

[Meta menardi]

Originally Posted by nightshade

I have vine weevil grubs in my Fig tree (Brown Turkey) found when changing the soil
Do they live in the top 3-4 inches of soil or all the way through? is there an organic method
of removing them other than watering in nematods as I do enjoy my fresh figs

I think you will have trouble controlling the little chinese dolls except with the nematode treatment. If you have them in your fig, they will probably be elsewhere as well. The nematode treatment is a biological control, it is a non-toxic method.

[nightshade]

Nematodes on order but many companies will not deliver until ambient temperatures are above 5C (April/May) and I want to kill them now!

[Meta menardi]

I think if you have done a thorough physical removal, the plant will wait till the temperature rises. This is only my opinion, but it seems to be logical to me. I hope.

I have had a similar situation, and I kept my plants and they remained healthy.

[Susie]

I had vine weevil grubs in a potted grape vine once. The critters ate the roots down to a stump and I didn't manage to get rid of them. If I had the problem again I would certainly try nematodes.

Good luck, Nightshade, and please let me know how you get on.


P.S. I have Brown Turkey too and it grows smashing figs, doesn't it.

[nightshade]

Originally Posted by Meta menardi

I think if you have done a thorough physical removal, the plant will wait till the temperature rises. This is only my opinion, but it seems to be logical to me. I hope.

I have had a similar situation, and I kept my plants and they remained healthy.

We hand picked out well over 100 of the little so and so's and that does not include the half barrow load of soil already removed

[nightshade]

Originally Posted by Susie

I had vine weevil grubs in a potted grape vine once. The critters ate the roots down to a stump and I didn't manage to get rid of them. If I had the problem again I would certainly try nematodes.

Good luck, Nightshade, and please let me know how you get on.


P.S. I have Brown Turkey too and it grows smashing figs, doesn't it.

I was recommended Brown Turkey after seeing an unknown tree 8ft tall and very, very, old in Bristol. It has produced bumper crops since we have had it.
It was due a soil change (a 50% change as potted trees should get ) when we found the weevil grubs.
The figs are superlative, there is just nothing like fresh figs with honey or fresh cream and croissant