little white grub

with a red/brown bit at one end. Infesting my hornbeam compost. Sorry, no pictures. Any ideas?

Vine Weevil, most likely. They're nasty...get it taken care of now! In the UK the public still has pretty easy access to Bio Provado v.w. killer. Pick up some of that asap.

Best Regards,
BM

Sounds absolutely right to me.

An alternative to Provado at this time of year would be a complete repot. Comb out the roots and wash them completely clean and cut away any damaged roots. The grubs eat tender feeder roots and chew off bark from thicker roots. Damage should be easy to spot. then repot in a nice gritty mix and secure to the pot.

Dispose of the infested soil in the bin after squishing as many of the nasty little blighters as possible.

bobby little wrote:with a red/brown bit at one end. Infesting my hornbeam compost. Sorry, no pictures. Any ideas?

Yes quite definately VINE WEEVIL!!!!!!.Little c shaped larvae with a penchant for roots. Adults emerge from the soil in early summer and start eating leaves. they cut away very irregular sections on the leaf. They hide away during the day, under pots etc. Night time is the best for catching adults [ caught over 200 one year] just give them a good squeeze, to put paid to their antics. Females[no males] lay over 600 eggs during the year, walking[ they cant fly] from plant to plant. As mentioned above Provado does the trick, and is available in all garden centers

I'm assuming that there'l be plenty of instructions on the tin. Should I treat all my trees now - I've had the hornbeam in question one week exactly and it's bee stood next to several of my collection.

Not really any need to as they aren't actively egglaying at this time of year. They usually lay eggs just in summer. The grubs overwinter in pots and start the cycle again in spring. I haven't seen any adults around for a few weeks. Good hard frosts see most of them off in the garden but any trees protected from frosts in a cold greenhouse are likely to house some active grubs in many years.

You could also use Nemasys which a nematode control, but check the temperature requirements carefully.

I bought the tree last weekend and was aware that there was a risk. Pete, decent chap that he is immediately suggested I give him it back, but I love the tree and want the experience of working it. I am going to post my three new babies later on.