Hi Sven

I have a big pot of strawberries from last year. When I recently went out to cut the dead leaf away, which I left over the winter to protect it against the cold, the plants just fell out of the pot when I touched them - no roots on them but lots of thick white maggots. How can I save my strawberries? The leaves are still green and not all the plants are affected. The only Pest Control at the garden centre that seemed appropriate strictly said that it cannot be used on fruit plants.

Regards

Myri

Our Gardens Expert replies:

Hi Myri

Well, it sounds to me that you have an infestation of strawberry weevils. I am not surprised you thought they were maggots in the roots because the larvae of the strawberry weevil are pretty similar. They are white, about ¼ - ½ inch long, legless and have little brown heads, the most distinguishing feature is the their 'c' shape.

You can try using biological methods like nematodes. These are tiny micro organisms that attack and poison the larvae. They are not always effective because they only work when soil temperatures are high enough and this does not always correspond with the time when the larvae are active. There are two types of nematodes effective against grubs of weevils that attack strawberries. These are Heterorhabditis bacteriophora and H. marelatus. Both nematodes can be extremely effective if your timing is right. This may well work but if it does not I would suggest simply disposing of all its contents (not on the compost heap!) cleaning the pot well and then planting up a new batch.

Good luck!

Sven