Information and discussion regarding garden diseases, insects and other unwelcome critters.
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April 11, 2011 | #1 |
Tomatovillian™
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: WV
Posts: 604
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BT worm killer
I am sorry if a similar topic was started before but I have some major worm problems with my corns. Last year I used BT worm killer on cucumber plants and it worked very well for me.
My first question is: Does BT worm killer work on corns as well? Second question: I couldn't find an expiration date on the container and I bought it last October. Is the BT worm killer still good or should I buy a new one (also I am not sure what the maximum temperature is that is still good for the bacteria)? Third question: I was out of town for a few days and when I came back I found out that my corns were highly damaged; however they are still forming ears. I found some worms hiding and feeding underneath some of the forming ears. I killed them however I am not sure if they eat the corn stems on the inside. Should I give up my corns or keep growing them? |
April 11, 2011 | #2 |
Tomatovillian™
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Wichita Falls, TX [Tomato Hell]
Posts: 99
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My dad would be putting mineral oil in the silks early when the small moths or millers as I remember, lay their eggs. The oil is supposed to coat the silks and stop the egg or worm or whatever and yes they will eat down to the rows of kernals and ruin your beautiful sweet corns. How long does bt take to halt a corn worm?
They put expiration dates on there for a reason. Don't risk your corns with non-effective pesticides. |
April 11, 2011 | #3 | |
Tomatovillian™
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: zone 5b northwest connecticut
Posts: 2,570
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Quote:
is your bt a concentrated liquid? mine is and i have been using it since around 1994 or 1995. as long as you store it in a cool dry location i think it lasts indefinitely. if you kept it in a garage where temps can get to 100, i see you're in flordia, then maybe it has deteriorated. my bt does not have a expiration date on it. tom
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April 12, 2011 | #4 |
Tomatovillian™
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Virginia
Posts: 353
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BT takes almost no time to kill the caterpillars, however it will not get them if they are already inside the husk...
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April 19, 2011 | #5 |
Tomatovillian™
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: WV
Posts: 604
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Thanks everyone for replying. I resolved the problem with my corn by spraying Safer brand BT on them but I must say the caterpillars that hide behind the ears are very frustrating. Not like hand-picking them from the tomato leaves...
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April 19, 2011 | #6 |
Tomatovillian™
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Rock Hill, SC
Posts: 5,346
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On corn, it's really a preventative operation.
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