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["SISU!" <erthnsky AT bellsouth.net>]

clhw wrote:

> I know there are nematodes specific for the "sawyer" worms which
> infest pecans. The ones who eat off the smaller branches so they look
> almost like they've been sawed cleanly. I don't know the biological
> name for them.
>
> There was a company in Bozeman, Montana, several years back, which
> sold these nematodes. You "sow" them on the drip line of the tree,
> preferably when the ground is damp, and they will probably parasitize
> the worms, wiping them out. You purchase them by the pound and there
> are several million per pound or some such drastic number.

Ah yes, I think I do recall reading about these now.  The whole dripline
thing brought it back.

> The care of pecans is fairly simple and I'd like to improve what
> we're doing for ours. We attempt to clean up the eaten off twigs and
> burn them, as recommended. Also, the pecans with the worm holes. Zinc
> applied every few years and that's about it. I'd like to apply some
> nematodes. I think the recommended time to apply for our area is
> about December.

Brake dust has a lot of zinc in it, so if you know of a mechanic who can
 get some shavings for you, it will be a free source.  That's what we
used to do, anyway.

Bev


--
erthnsky AT bellsouth.net  BevanRon of EarthNSky Farm      NW Georgia USDA Zone 7
34.498N 85.076W