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Post by The witch on Mar 27, 2007 11:51:08 GMT 1
Split from: Yellow+flowersI haven't seen any squirrels around for a long time. And as for the beast -Yuk I don't suppose there is anyway of protecting the bulbs from it is there. I don't think so Ali but I'm not 100% sure  But perhaps someone else might know how to prevent damage by the Narcissus-fly Merodon equestris? 
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Post by The witch on Mar 30, 2007 10:18:30 GMT 1
Found this snippet on the internet Narcissus bulb fly
These can lay eggs in the holes left by the dying bulb foliage. The larvae subsequently tunnel into the bulb and destroy the centre. Symptoms of damage are narrow, yellow, distorted leaves in the spring, and bulbs may fail to flower. You can prevent an infestation by raking the soil over as the foliage dies, adding a general insecticide. Plants in sun are more likely to be affected. and this Another cause may be the Narcissus fly. These pests may have eaten the flower buds. To reduce damage next year, hoe around the bulbs to expose any larvae present to cold and predators and make sure that there are no large cracks in the soil for narcissus fly to enter. It may be necessary to cover the plants with fleece, burying the edges to prevent adult flies reaching the bulbs.The fly looks very much like a bumble bee -  www.david.element.ukgateway.net/flies18hoverflies12.htm |
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Post by sweetleaf on Mar 30, 2007 16:51:05 GMT 1
oh dear, I shall view every bee with suspicion now, (or just forget about it, and buy new bulbs every year! ) ;D
I love my daffs but they are in the main so cheap they arent worth protecting. Do these creatures attack Frittilaria though?.... cos then Id worry!
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Post by The witch on Mar 31, 2007 10:35:34 GMT 1
It would seem that the fly likes snowdrops too  Dr Gordon Hanks brought us all back to earth with a summary of our knowledge of the pests and diseases of snowdrops which spoil our fun in growing these plants. The fungus diseases caused by Botrytis galanthinae and Stagonospora curtisii are the bane of many snowdrop growers, with narcissus fly, swift moth and nematodes not far behind. With fewer and fewer chemicals available to ward off these menaces, close attention to good husbandry becomes more and more important. But to cheer us up Dr Ronald Mackenzie followed with a very clear exposition of how to increase stocks of rare or difficult plants by the technique of chipping. From chip to flower in three years is the aim, but there is no shortcut to the attention needed to hygiene and good cultural practices throughout the process.I've copied the above from a page on the RHS web site - www.rhs.org.uk/whatson/events/londonlectures/snowdrops.asp |
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But perhaps someone else might know how to prevent damage by the Narcissus-fly Merodon equestris? 