January 6th, 2013
For years we have been plagued by leaf miners of all sorts and I’m sure this year won’t be any different. Using dormant oil to snuff out the leaf miners or spraying with an organic insecticide like Spinosid haven’t been the most effective solutions because of the timing. Bayer recently came out with a new product called “Bayer Advanced Fruit, Citrus, and Vegetable Insect Control.” Check out this great article from Texas A&M on using Imidacloprid in vegetable gardens and fruit trees. HERE Be sure to apply after the flowers have fallen.
January 6th, 2013 at 11:38 pm
This sounds like a wonderful remedy, BUT….bell peppers, tomatoes, squash…flower continuously…how would I apply this new Bayer product?
January 7th, 2013 at 12:26 pm
Good question. The main reason we suggest not using it on plants that existing blooms or continuously bloom is because it could have ill effect on pollinating bees. A 21 day before harvest waiting period is associated with fruit vegetables like tomatoes and bell peppers. All in all, there are no ill health affects associated with Imidacloprid in humans after the waiting period but it may affect the health of the pollinating bees.
January 11th, 2013 at 5:49 pm
Although it is certainly still in controversy, Imidacloprid has been implicated in Bee Colony Collapse. Too early to make a final call on it for sure, but at least gardeners who are also bee keepers, or who live near them should educate themselves and make their own judgement as to the risk.
http://www.wired.com/wiredscience/2012/04/neonicotinoids-colony-collapse/