Japanese beetle tragedy - Orchid Board

ehuber · #1 08-02-2008, 01:13 PM

I was out of town for 4 days; just before I left my beautiful LC. Hausermann's Sultan's buds were about to open....imagine how sad I was when I returned to find that all the opened flowers were totally destroyed by Japanese beetles! Terrible tragedy.

So, my question is, do the beetles leave eggs or anything? I have sprayed the whole area with Physan a couple of times, and plan to do the following:

(1) Cut off the spike (*sob*) with the remains of the flowers, with bleach-dipped scissors.

(2) Scrub the nearby leaves with soap and water, since they are scattered with what I would guess are beetle-turds.

Any other suggestions? I was planning on repotting the plant after it was finished flowering, and would do it now but am concerned that it will stress out an already stressed plant. I would love any feedback you can give me!

unhappykat · #2 08-02-2008, 03:57 PM

Can you use a pesticide, if so i would reccomend something systemic, orthene or Merit, just in case any eggs are left behind, I dont know too much about beetles, but this way anything that is left behind and tries to snack on your plant will die, a HORRIBLE and PAINFUL death. Just my reccomendation.

Ross · #3 08-02-2008, 04:49 PM

I'm no expert, but I seem to remember that the beetles are attracted to the flowers only. That they don't do any lasting harm to the vegetation. I could be wrong on this though.

Ross · #4 08-02-2008, 04:54 PM

A few links to check out:

Solution Center Home - Bayer Advanced ™
Managing Adult Japanese Beetles | University of Kentucky Entomology
Control of Japanese Beetle Adults and Grubs in Home Lawns
<b>Japanese Beetle</b>
Japanese beetle - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
APHIS Web -- PPQ -- Managing the Japanese Beetle: A Homeowner's Handbook

I'm sure you get the idea

ehuber · #5 08-03-2008, 12:14 AM

Thanks all! This is really, really helpful. I don't see any eggs anywhere on the plant, but I think I will get one of those special pesticides just in case.

As for the wonderful flowers, next year I'll definitely keep the plant inside!

cirillonb · #6 08-03-2008, 06:33 PM

I believe Ross is correct. Although they will also feed on rose leaves. If flower only they may not be exposed to systemics that much. Furthermore, by the time they eat enough to die, they have already ruined the flower. J.Beatles are the bain of rose growers around here. The serious ones bag the blossom well before the bud starts to show color.
Nick