Fungus Gnat Larvae.

[Pearcy001]

Hi guys.

My Pyracantha seems to have Fungus Gnat Larvae in the soil... but I guess at least now I know where the adult Gnats were coming from! Recently a couple of smaller branches died back and I've now found the Larvae on the topsoil, so I'm guessing this was the problem.

I believe this is most likely due to the soil staying too damp for too long. Unfortunately due to;
- The mix it came in,
- The poor positioning for this problem,
- The fact that I was too lazy to repot it earlier,
I am now unsure of what to do.

My understanding was Pyracantha hate being bare rooted, but I think this may be my only option to rectify this problem before winter hits?

What are the chances of survival bare rooting a Pyracantha now in Melbourne? I think I may already know the answer, but would love some opinions and advice from the more experienced if I can.

If the tree doesn't survive it will be no big loss, so I am willing to try. It has been practically cut back to nothing already anyway thanks to the local possums...

Cheers,
Pearcy.

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[Pearcy001]

Hard to get a photo so here is one I've borrowed from the Google machine if anyone is interested.



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[melbrackstone]

I don't know if this would help or not, but if you do bare root it, you might be able to give it a bit of a chance with a heating mat, and some good light.

http://www.ebay.com/bhp/seedling-heat-mat

[Daluke]

Let it dry out even more before watering and buy some of those yellow sticky traps.

[Pearcy001]

I don't know if this would help or not, but if you do bare root it, you might be able to give it a bit of a chance with a heating mat, and some good light.

http://www.ebay.com/bhp/seedling-heat-mat

Thanks Mel, great idea on the heat mat for recovery I hadn't considered it.

Let it dry out even more before watering and buy some of those yellow sticky traps.

Think it's too late for that Luke, I tried that over summer and it wasn't even enough. There is now a top layer of dark green slime mould(?) or similar. I barely water it and it doesn't seem to get any better, especially due to the lack of foliage from those pesky possums let alone going into winter soon. I've read even just yellow electrical tape (adhesive side up) will collect all the adults as it's the colour they love. Problem is it won't affect the Larvae and they are feeding off the roots. Thanks anyway for the idea!

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[Daluke]

I wonder if you can't mix some grit into the existing soil to help air out the roots.

I haven't got much experience with Pyracantha, but I think they are pretty hardy. maybe there is a market for a Bonsai hospital? Take it in, get a diagnosis then start treatment and hope for no complications.

[Pearcy001]

I wonder if you can't mix some grit into the existing soil to help air out the roots.

I haven't got much experience with Pyracantha, but I think they are pretty hardy. maybe there is a market for a Bonsai hospital? Take it in, get a diagnosis then start treatment and hope for no complications.

I don't think there's any chance of mixing anything in Unfortunately. It's in fine sand that appears to be too fine to drain properly. Because it appears to have been potted up some time ago, I don't really like my chances of getting into it to add another mix. Plus although it may let it dry a bit, I'm not sure if it will get rid of the existing Larvae issue?

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[Daluke]

Got Milk?

http://www.helpfulgardener.com/forum/vi ... hp?t=34673

[Pearcy001]

Got Milk?

http://www.helpfulgardener.com/forum/vi ... hp?t=34673

Thanks for finding that Luke, if Martha Stewart said it then it must be true haha.

Cheers,
Pearcy.

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[Kevin]

Hello Pearcy,

You hadn't mentioned a chemical and I had my (well worn) book out.

Kevin

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[Pearcy001]

Thanks Kevin!

Have you used Diazinon or Maldison at all before? Also do you believe this would be a better option as compared to bare rooting now?

Thanks greatly for taking the time to help! Especially at this hour of the night haha.

Think I may need to invest in a book such as yours.

Cheers,
Pearcy.

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[Kevin]

Hello Pearcy,

I have never used either chemicals previously, nor had experience with the Pyracanthas. (EDIT Bonsai Pyracanthas)

However, the information in this book has served me extremely well for 28 years and i have complete faith in the advice supplied.

From your earlier comments regarding the detrimental effects of bare rooting now - high percentage of fatality / mortality. Yes, definitely, i would be off to the nursery yesterday. Firstly, asking an experienced Nurseryman for his advice before purchasing.

But, maybe an experienced Pyracantha grower can help very soon with their experienced opinion?

Good Luck,

Kevin

[Ben Thomas]

Good old confidor not an easier option?

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[Pearcy001]

Good old confidor not an easier option?

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Thanks Ben, I have no idea when it comes to dealing with pests.

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