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How to treat root maggots which have appeared on polyantha roots

j.overtonj.overton Posts: 8
in Problem solving
Could anyone suggest a cheap and effective way to treat root maggots  which have devastated my polyanthas in my troughs.  They all have white grub/maggots and have wilted. If no treatment how can I stop them from appearing on my other plants in other containers. 

Posts

  • debs64debs64 Posts: 5,184
    Sounds like vine weevil grubs and if it is, they are probably not going to survive. Maybe try washing roots completely free of soil and putting in new pots with new compost but I would cut my losses. I have the same issues and intend to use nematodes once the soil warms up 
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    It sounds more like vine weevil grubs. They eat the roots of some plants, and are worse in pots and containers, and cause the plants to suddenly keel over.
    Have you got a photo?
    If not, google vine weevil larvae and see if that's what they are. 
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • GardenerSuzeGardenerSuze Posts: 5,692
    @joverton Vine weevil grubs are cream with a reddish head you will be able to ID them.
    Polyanthus and Heucheras are a target for them particularly if grown in pots.  The eggs are soil colour and tiny hence the need to wash roots really well. I would also suggest start again and be careful how you dispose of the compost.  
    I have worked as a Gardener for 24 years. My latest garden is a new build garden on heavy clay.
  • TheGreenManTheGreenMan Posts: 1,957
    edited March 2022
    I say this a lot and sound like someone from a grit company: 

    once you’ve put plants back in your trough, add a layer of grit across the top to stop the adult weevils laying their eggs again this summer. 

    You should also do this for any pots you have. 
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