Diabetes Talking » Diabetics » Injecting Bt into squash vines?
Injecting Bt into squash vines?
Question:
says… I’m going to try zucchini again this summer, and this time I’m ready with all kinds of organic defenses against the dreaded squash vine borer, including Bt. The most recent issue of Organic Gardening recommends injecting the Bt solution into the hollow vines where the larvae feed. Should I use a hypodermic needle? The hollow area of the vine is large and it would probably take forever to inject enough of the stuff. Where to get the proper injecting utensil? any suggestions are welcome. Thank you, Cara
If you have a store which sells horse supplies, you should be able to buy a large veterinary syringes there. Or, you can purchase them mail-order Or, if you know a veterinarian who treats large animals, s/he may be able to get you a syringe. I use the Bt injections as a back-up to regular inspection and removal of squash vine borer eggs. Start injecting just above the borer’s hole, and continue at intervals out toward the end of the vine. If the vine gets significantly harder to pierce/inject into, you have probably gone beyond the borer, and can call it quits. (It’s been awhile since I had to resort to injections.) — Pat in Plymouth MI
Response:
including Bt. The most recent issue of Organic Gardening recommends injecting the Bt solution into the hollow vines where the larvae feed. Should I use a hypodermic needle? The hollow area of the vine is large
Injecting with a hypodermic needle is the proper method. Problem: most states have (explicative deleted) laws governing who may lawfully possess & own hypodermic needles. Unless you’re an MD, nurse, diabetic taking injected insulin, a pharmacist or medical supply house, possession of same falls in the general criminal catagory as other drug abuse offenses. Some statutes don’t even allow (lawful) possession of such needles by non-diabetics who have to administer their own injectable medications under a legitamate prescription. The latter cases tend not to be enforced, but it’s still illegal. Consequently, getting a useful hypo is a royal pain. Some places sell a "garden" hypo. I’ve bought ‘em. They leak the BT solution every where but in the plant. If you are in an enlightened state or a medical pro who can buy, use & possess appropriate hypos or can convince a medical pro to do it for you, a sturdy syringe with a fairly large needle opening is best. Shoot the liquid above the base of the plant & above the point where any pests currently are eatting happily. You’ll have a little play with the needle, but doing some injecting from each side is advisable.
Response:
Regarding injecting Bt into squash vines, I got a large syringe from my vet that is used for washing material out between dog’s teeth. It is all plastic with a curved plastic *needle* that tapers to a point. It works great. I had to convince him that I was going to use it for gardening only. The only problem that I have encountered is that injecting vines can take a long time and it is easy to miss borerers. Tim Rockford, IL
Response:
I’m going to try zucchini again this summer, and this time I’m ready with all kinds of organic defenses against the dreaded squash vine borer, including Bt. The most recent issue of Organic Gardening recommends injecting the Bt solution into the hollow vines where the larvae feed. Should I use a hypodermic needle? The hollow area of the vine is large and it would probably take forever to inject enough of the stuff. Where to get the proper injecting utensil? any suggestions are welcome. Thank you, Cara
Response:
Anthony) writes: I’m going to try zucchini again this summer, and this time I’m ready with all kinds of organic defenses against the dreaded squash vine borer, including Bt. The most recent issue of Organic Gardening recommends injecting the Bt solution into the hollow vines where the larvae feed. Should I use a hypodermic needle? The hollow area of the vine is large and it would probably take forever to inject enough of the stuff. Where to get the proper injecting utensil? any suggestions are welcome. Thank you, Cara
Most feed stores will sell hypodermic needles for animal injection. If you cannot find a feed store to sell you some, try the local pharmacy. They may not sell them to you either, and if that is the case, let me know and I can mail some to you. Victoria-you don’t have to fill the cavity of the stem entirely with the Bt. Let me know if I can help.