Sand - Fungus Gnat Larvae

[m.steelers]

Hey All,

If I use an inch of sand on top of my pro mix to snuff out some fungus gnat larvae, does that have an effect on the O2 levels getting to the root system? I sprayed with Neem Oil and placed some sticky traps near the base of the plants. After the Neem I haven't seen any activity down there, but I wanted to apply a sand layer to be safe. I've never dealt with these buggers before so I just want to check first.

Thanks ->MS

 

[I.M. Boggled]

Neem is a beautiful thing...

Neem is a beautiful thing...

An inch of sand is not a good thing as it will seriously adversly effect the gas exchange of your growing media be it soil or soilless.
Death of the plant is a very real possible side effect of thick sand on a containerized plant.
Stick with the neem and your fungas gnats shouldn't be a problem anymore with occasional application with ones nutrient.
The systemic insecticidal effects of the Neem is a big plus.

 

[m.steelers]

Thanks IM. I had read about the sand technique and wasn't sure it was the best idea. I'm glad I checked. I caught it really early so I dont think there will be any issues. I had some pest strips in there before the infestation occured, otherwise, I think it could have been alot worse.

Take Care.

 

[baccas125]

This is what i use for fungas gnats. Its the same stuff thats in mosquito dunks, but in granular form.



I buy this stuff at Lowes Home Improvement stores.



baccas

 

[m.steelers]

Baccas thanks - I saw that in one of your other posts. So you just mix and water it in? I was reading up on the dunks but it seemed like they were best for hydro. So this would be better for mix or soil then?

 

[issack]

Baccas thanks - I saw that in one of your other posts. So you just mix and water it in? I was reading up on the dunks but it seemed like they were best for hydro. So this would be better for mix or soil then?

I'd like to know how much u mix in as well......no affect on the plant ???...right?

 

[m.steelers]

Just wanted to report that the neem caused a little browning of the hairs on the bud. They were about only 21 days in so I am sure it should grow out. I sprayed the soil and the plants to be safe.

I've never used neem before is this normal?

m.S

 

[m.steelers]

After the first CO2 does of the night, it looks like to hairs have already changed back to white for the most part- weird, but I aint complainin.

 

[Growdoc]

You can just keep neem oil around for the war, it can be safely used.

as of now you wont be seeing them around for atleast a month, so grow on.

Growdoc

 

[m.steelers]

Thanks everyone for the replies - seems like things are in check for now

 

[Guest]

Hello these guys arent to hard to elminate..I would use some diatomite or hydroton on top of your soil insted of sand for it is heavy and could cause compaction..The pistils will grow back and fill out but i would advise to not spray the solution on flowers..It could have an adverse affect on terpenoid levels...The best neem i have found is the dyna grow brand pure neem exstract..


take care
GreenFriend

 

[Guest]

agreed

agreed

if u must top-dress, use Diatomaceous (sp?) Earth (the fine stuff) in a thin layer over the soil, or neem the soil surface once or twice weekly, i would not spray buds with it directly unless its real bad and outdoors.
cj

 

[Guest]

btw, awesome! to hear things are under control...
just keep using the neem on vegging plants as a preventative, its a great thing when used in rotation with other natural pesticides such as capsicum (chile pepper), raw tobacco tea, and garlic spray. I have never planted garlic before but i'm sure it wouldn't be a bad thing considering it's optimum pH level is 6.0-7.0, consumable, and easy to grow, and it is used as a companion to rose buhes and fruit trees as a pest deturrant. There are a great many plants that can be planted in companionship with our friend Mary Jane. We plant Peppers (capsicum Annum, shoofly (?) flower, garlic chives (allium) , sacred tobacco (n. Rustica), wormwood (a. Absinthium, and others with pot... i am SURE there are others just too stoned to think right now. Hope this helps the population open their eyes to companion planting. A good read on companion planting "Carrots love tomatoes"

peace and be good

cj