[Pepe le skunk]

That's great customer/ tester service. Nice one on the Lambs. AD test grow is producing spectacular results on the lambs. Should turn out nice bud.

[budelight]

WTF ARE THESE??

I just had to throw out that seed because it was getting eaten alive by those!!!

Now im wondering if thats why only 1 has come thru the soil so far...









Do you think they are from my soil? or the seeds?

[Space Toker]

I could only handle the opening post at this point, sounds like a great cross as someone said but the name, well, it conjures up disturbing or pleasant images depending on what end of the freak spectrum you are on, but would go to jail in more ways than one if... well, enough of that, good luck man!

[Space Toker]

ok checked a little more and sorry none made it, interesting name for sure!

[DamnUglyDogE]

Originally Posted by budelight

WTF ARE THESE??

I just had to throw out that seed because it was getting eaten alive by those!!!

Now im wondering if thats why only 1 has come thru the soil so far...

View Image

View Image

View Image

View Image

Do you think they are from my soil? or the seeds?

Some kind of worms ? Strange... Do the look like they are eating roots or the seedlings ? Most worms are a good thing but I have no idea... Strange stuff,bro...

[DamnUglyDogE]

Looks like them...


fungus gnat larvae



Fungus gnats are tiny mosquito-like insects, about 1/8 inch in length. You will generally first notice them darting about new seedlings.
Being so small, they can enter your home or greenhouse through the slightest of openings. More often they come in as eggs, either in the soil of plants that have been outside for the summer or in damp bags of potting soil.


Damage

Adult fungus gnats are mostly an annoyance, but the larva can do damage to young plants and seedlings by feeding on the new, tender roots. It is also thought that they feed on the developing callus of cuttings, delaying the development of new roots.
Their feeding stresses the plants and provides an entryway for disease pathogens. The first symptom of damage is usually wilting, followed by general decline of the plant.


Life cycle

Fungus gnat eggs are laid in cracks on the soil surface. They hatch into larva within 6 days and begin feeding on plant roots. After feeding for about 2 weeks, they pupate in the soil and emerge in less than a week as adults, to begin the cycle all over again.
Fungus gnats are one of those insects that give birth to mostly females, helping the population to increase rapidly. One female can lay between 100-300 eggs.


Control


Monitoring: Yellow sticky cards, placed standing up on the soil surface, attract and hold the adult fungus gnats and give you an idea of the size of the population.

Placing a slice of potato on the soil surface sometimes attracts the feeding larva. The potato slices can be used to collect and dispose of larva and to gauge when the larva are actively feeding, for timing of pesticide applications. Make sure the potato slices do not dry out.


Deterrence: If you are working in a greenhouse, do a thorough cleaning before you begin new seedlings. Soil and weeds on the floor are very attractive to fungus gnats.

In addition to feeding on plant roots, fungus gnat larva will consume organic material in the soil. Avoid potting mixes containing fresh compost, which seems to be attractive because of its high microbial activity.

Use a well draining potting mix, since fungus gnats are more attracted to soil that stays moist. Potting mix stored outdoors, where it may stay wet, will often contain fungus gnat larva.


Control: If deterrence doesn't keep your fungus gnat population under control, there are a couple of biological controls that are effective.

A form of Bacillus thuringiensis (var. israelensis), has been shown to be effective against the larva when they are at the feeding stage. It is sold under the trade name of Gnatrol. The bacteria must be eaten by the larva. Gnatrol only stays active for two days and will require repeat applications. Follow the package instructions.

There is also a type of nematode, Steinernema feltiae, that can be used to drench the soil. These tiny worm like creatures will actually enter the larva. There they release a bacterium which is lethal to the larva.

Since both controls are living organisms, you probably won't find them sitting on a shelf in the nursery. However, they are available from many catalogs, through mail order, and some nurseries will stock them during seed starting season.

Over the counter gnat or "flying insect" sprays are effective against adult fungus gnats, particularly those containing pyrethrins. Again, multiple applications may be necessary.




Hope it helps....

[budelight]

Dood that totally helps!

Great find... Sounds like they are telling me not to use FFOF to start them.

What would be a beginners quality coco that I can order online, for seedlings?

Looks like I NEED TO CHANGE :/
BeL

[Shoots]

Mosquito dunks for the fungus gnat larvae and if they were present in the soil when the seeds sprouted Its pretty likely they were the reason for poor germination rates. Mosquito dunks are essentially gnatrol or vice versa. they both contain the bacteria thurigensis or whatever it is.

I hate bugs I just had an infestation of root aphids, thrips, and fungus gnats. Finally took care of the populations but my garden severely suffered. Gonna be awhile before I am back in full effect.

Good luck budlight

[budelight]

Thanks Shoots, I will pick some up this week.

Do you think they could have jumped pots?
Or is it just likely that they are in the soil and already everywhere?

Cant believe this happened... How embarrassing...

Sorry AD.

[DamnUglyDogE]

Originally Posted by budelight

Thanks Shoots, I will pick some up this week.

Do you think they could have jumped pots?
Or is it just likely that they are in the soil and already everywhere?

Cant believe this happened... How embarrassing...

Sorry AD.

Don't sweat it bro... Life happens...
Better these now than the borg week 6 flowering...
Are they all lost ?