ANSWERS TO FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT MINT PESTS
Select one of the sections listed below: Insects, Weeds, Nematodes, Diseases, or ...?. Each section contains a list of the most commonly asked questions and answers. Check back frequently to see more questions and answers as they are posted.
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How do I control symphylans in my mint?
[Currently, the only chemical reqistered to control symphylans in mint is Lorsban. However, Lorsban has very low solubility in water and must be irrigated in as soon after application as possible. Two formulations are available, Lorsban 4E (liquid) and Lorsban 10G (granular). The granular formulation will provide longer protection because the active ingredient is released over a longer period of time than the Lorsban 4E formulation. Both formulations require irrigation to active the chemical. Ralph Berry, 3 March 2001]
Is Mocap registered on mint?
[No. Each year a request is made for a Section 18 Emergency Exemption for Mocap to control symphylans in mint. We have not received any information about whether or not a Section 18 to use Mocap in mint will be granted for 2001. Check back to get an update on the status of this request. Ralph Berry 17 April 2001]
When is it too late to treat my fields for mint root borer larvae?
[The mint root borer larvae feed in mint rhizomes until September or early October when they begin forming the overwintering stage. The mint root borer overwinters as a prepupa inside a hibernaculum and is resistant to control. Therefore, once the larvae have entered the overwintering stage it is too late to apply controls. Generally, the best time to control mint root borer is after harvest in mid-August to mid-September, but timing depends on temperature and your location. Ralph E. Berry 17 October 2000]
Do painted lady caterpillars (sometimes called thistle butterflies) cause economic loss in peppermint?
[These caterpillars are spiny and dark colored, with a pale yellow stripe on each side. Adults migrate in the spring or early summer from southern desert areas such as Arizona. Larvae feed mostly on thistle, but they may feed on mint. This insect is seldom a problem of economic importance in mint. In fact, they are beneficail when feeding on thistle. Application of an insecticide may be justified but, only if you find painted lady caterpillars mixed with other cutworm or looper larvae. Ralph E. Berry 31 May 2001]
[When is the best time of year to apply Basagran to my mint? I live in LaGrande and my mint field is two years old. Carol Mallory-Smith 30 November 2000]
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