Worms eating snow pea stalks (forum)

Beans starts with ...
Hi,

I am a 1st time gardener planted some snow pea seedlings 2 weeks ago. Today I noticed one stalk was all limp and not as green as the others. On closer inspection I noticed that the main stalk had been eaten almost completely through about 2 inches above the ground. On further inspection I noticed one of the leaves was wrapped in what looked like a cocoon, and inside was a small work about 10 mm long. dark brown on its back otherwise somewhat translucent with a small black head. I also found another on the next plant.

Does anyone know what these are and how I stop them from eating my snow pea plants? Preferably an organic solution.

Thanks.

Sean

Time: 21st August 2011 4:28pm

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About the Author Beans
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Steven says...
Hi how are you.

Worms will only ever eat rotting vegetation and they dont make cocoons so the insect would be some sort or larvae to something. you can treat the problem with a general purpose insecticide or remove them physically. As for an organic spray to deter or kill them im not sure off the top of my head sorry.

Regards

Steven

Time: 22nd August 2011 12:17pm

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About the Author Steven
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Julie says...
Pretty time-consuming, but you could wrap each stalk in foil so the grubs can't get to it. Or, if you have a lot of little yoghourt containers, pop one over each plant. Cut the bottom out first of course! Some people use the cardboard from toilet rolls.

Time: 22nd August 2011 8:26pm

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About the Author Julie
Roleystone WA
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Mike says...
Once the stem miner moth caterpillars get in they are hard to stop.Even systemic insecticide would be challenged let alone an organic surface spray. While it may be too late for those with stem miners in them companion planting may deter the adult moths.Other people could be able say what to plant but i have heard gerberas can do the job.

Time: 22nd August 2011 9:20pm

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Brendan says...
Hi Beans, try spraying with yates Success or Confidor.

Time: 24th August 2011 9:10am

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Mackay, Q
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Mike says...
I agree and reckon confidor could arrest new caterpillars but maybe not existing ones.

Time: 24th August 2011 4:23pm

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Beans says...
Hi,

Thanks to all for the info. I suppose that they were really caterpillars and not worms.

I removed both and touch wood, so far have not seen any more.

Does anyone know what type of caterpillar they were? Both were the same size, about 10 mm long, they would have to have grown real quick if eggs were laid after the seedlings were planted.

Sean

Time: 25th August 2011 8:51pm

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