white grub/insect???

Lorry · Rank attained: Hazel Tree Joined: 08 Sep 2012 Posts: 5

Was removing a potato plant from a pot on my balcony and noticed this left begins on the soil. Thought it was a maggot at first until on closer look I realised it had leg shaped appendages. I say leg-shaped rather than legs because it didn't seem capable of moving them. It was roughly wasp sized and shape, white all over, 6 legs, 2 prongs at the end of the body. when disturbed it simply bent it's tail/body back and forth and didn't seem capable of any.other movement.

What on Earth is it???

forest flame · Posted: Fri Jul 05, 2013 8:08 pm Post subject:

sorry to say its vine weevil grub and if you check just under the soil there are probably more.vine weevil lay their eggs in dryish compost and when they hatch the grubs eat the roots of your plants.
one option is to spray with provado.

Margo · Posted: Fri Jul 05, 2013 9:06 pm Post subject:

When I lived in Kent Vine Weevil was rife as was Lily beetle. The fuchsias I've lost to these buggers.
I've been so lucky since I've been here. I haven't seen one thank goodness, just blooming slugs.

Lorry · Rank attained: Hazel Tree Joined: 08 Sep 2012 Posts: 5

Thank you and bummer!!

tippben · Posted: Sat Jul 06, 2013 4:24 am Post subject:

Please remember that vine weevil killer (provado) is systemic, so your crops will be inedible if you use it. I'd salvage the remaining potatoes, and just dump the compost.