http://www.durgan.org/URL/?SKUYI 15 May 2012 Radish replanting.
The diatomaceous earth/boric acid dust did not prevent flea beetle damage.The dusting was done very carefully almost daily. I saw few beetles, nothing to justify the amount of damage. My impression is that the dust kills the beetles after they feed. My solution is to plant anther row of radishes alongside the previous row and try to determine if the damage is lessoned. My Pak Choy plants were also seriously damaged. My solution to this problems was to buy seedlings and keep in the greenhouse until too large to attract flea beetles. Time will tell if these efforts are effective. The other choice is to use one of the many pesticides, which I want to avoid.The dusting tool works flawlessly.
http://www.durgan.org/URL/?WNUJE 8 May 2012 Radish Dusting
Radishes are large enough for visitations from the flea beetle. I have seen a few and there is some minor leaf damage, but the dusting seems to be effective at first look. The duster is absolutely marvellous. Sometimes a small particle clogs the orifice, but is easily removed using a pipe cleaner from the dollar store. I spray after any rain and inspect daily.In previous years my radishes would be black with the flea beetle and basically destroying my crop. Not conclusive proof as to efficacy, since I have no control, but worth considering.
http://www.durgan.org/URL/?FXBPQ 28 April 2012 Radish Germinated.
The row of radish have germinated. Radish are generally food for the flea beetles. It has been cold the last ten days so they are not active.
The row was dusted with Diatomaceous earth and Borac Acid powder in an attempt to defeat them.Results will be apparent in the next few days.
http://www.durgan.org/URL/?EKGUZ 23 March 2012 Diatomaceous Earth and Borac Acid Pesticide
http://www.durgan.org/URL/?ARFOS 18 April 2012 Radish (Planting)
A double row of radish was planted. Pictures depict the method.Care at planting time tends to insure maximum growth and ease of harvest with no thinning required. Since I have flea beetles I am attempting to discourage by applying a dust of diatomaceous earth laced with some boric acid powder. Whether this is efficacious time will tell. An application was made to the ground surface and will be applied as deemed necessary later.
http://www.durgan.org/URL/?EKGUZ 23 March 2012
Diatomaceous Earth and Borac Acid Pesticide
A mixture of Diatomaceous Earth and Boric Acid was prepared for use this Summer. It will get a through testing as a home made pesticide.
http://alsnetbiz.com/homeimprovement/boric_acid.html Boric Acid
I am going to experiment with Diatomaceous Earth and Boric acid powder to make my own powdered insecticide. The mixture will be 20 to 1 Diatomaceous earth to Boric acid powder. Proportions picked as a reasonable practical experiment. The diatomacious earth is primarily to bulk out the boric acid.
My reasoning goes like this:
Diatomaceous earth is not regarded an insecticide,since there has been little to no research done, and the so called supporting evidence is anecdotal.
Boric acid is harmful to many insects which are similar to those encountered in the garden, and this is well documented.
Powders are often irritating to insects. Wood ash for example simply because it makes their habitant uncomfortable, hence they tend to move on.
So my home made insecticide will have some poison, some anecdotal support from the diatomaceous earth, and also the powder effect. This cannot possibly be more harmful than many of the commercial products sold for insect control.
Bugs that cause damage to my plants are the ubiquitous flea beetle, Cabbage butterfly, Japanese beetle, and Colorado potato beetle. Reducing the effects of the first two would be a great plus.
Dispensing will be by using my recently purchased Duster.
http://www.durgan.org/URL/?FCWDO 6 January 2012 Garden Dust Sprayer.