Using covers made of horticultural fleece or very fine netting is the best defence, though a few may emerge from the soil under the tightest covers. 1998. Acta Agriculturae Scandinavica, Section BSoil and Plant Science 64: 493-500. Production genera and species are involved, crop rotation, by itself, has little eff ect as a control strategy. Th e ATTRA publication Companion Planting elaborates further on this subject. The best reported organic pest control methods were crop rotation and growing resistant . NCAT website (www.ncat.org) fi ne shot. Apply it around the base and also on the crops, covering the entire plant, twice or thrice a week. which feed on plant roots. Ambrosino, M. 2008. April. Annual Review of Entomology 51: 285-308. March. One example is catnip ( Nepeta cataria) Placing row covers over your garden crops They are mostly about 2mm (about 1/10in) long, but big bugs can be 3-4mm. These small jumping insects can cause big problems formany vegetableplants. Beauvaria bassiana is a fungus commonly found in many soils, and it causes a disease in insects known as white muscadine (Caldwell et al., 2013) that has been shown to reduce flea beetle populations. Horseradish, occasionally damages cabbage, radish and turnip, Northern US and usually east of the Rockies, Brassicaceae family, occasionally damages beet, lettuce and potato. These tiny,worm-like parasites hunt and destroy over 230 different pests. They are quite small in appearance (1/10 inch), with varying colors and patterns dependent on their species. Figure 5. There are a few strategies for dealing with a flea beetle infestation. Corvallis, OR 97331 (a) tuber flea beetle larvae feeding damage on potato tuber (b) pitting damage on broccoli leaf by adult crucifer flea beetle (c and d) shot-hole feeding damage by adult crucifer flea beetle on mustard leaf. 2. p. fi les/docs/pdf/ib08.pdf A.7-A.8. Diversity by design: Exploring trap crops and companion plants to control. That toxic protein differs, depending on the subspecies of Bt producing it, yielding a variance of Bt toxic to different insect species (or none at all). Not for Sale To : AK, CA, CT, HI, NY, PR N/A Additional Resources : Always read and follow actual package for complete label verbiage.This information was provided to Pest control products Depot by Manufacturer. Available at: Cranshaw, W. 2006. For example, to minimize the accumulation of damage from tuber flea beetle larvae, plant and harvest potatoes earlier in the season as tuber damage from tuber flea beetles will increase as the flea beetle population grows (Ambrosino, 2008). Organically Acceptable Methods Use cultural controls in an organically certified crop. Crucifer Flea Beetle biology and integrated pest management in Canola. Photos by Dr. Matt Bertone, NC Home Pest Problem Solver Garden Pests Flea Beetle, From: Pest Problem Solver Garden Pests. Tel: 800-827-2847 McKinlay, Roderick G. 1992. For example, in the WSU experiments the authors observed rape to mature later in the season than mustard and pak choi, possibly providing the crucifer flea beetle with a continuously attractive trap crop blend throughout the season. By intercropping or planting companion plants next to host plants, you will create a more diverse planting that makes the host plants less apparent to the pest. 2014. Many insects that have a life cycle in the soil, including flea beetles, are susceptible to biological control organisms. It is almost 1/4 inch long, has dark, greenish-black wing covers, a yellow-orange thorax, and a dark head. The e-mail does not appear to be correct. 1990. Flea Beetles overwinter as adults in soil, in crop residue and in brushy or woody areas. Larvae hatch, feed on the roots of plants, pupate in the soil . * Most flea beetles feed on a narrow range of host plants. Adults emerge to feed on above-ground foliage, then overwinter under protective plant debris (e.g., leaf litter), in grassy and woody field borders, and in ditch banks. p. 14. VR777OFd-TZ www.vegedge.umn.edu/vegpest/colecrop/fl ea.htm A webinar exploring the use of trap crops, stands of plants Long, Cheryl. Bunching green onions, dill, and marigolds are a few examples of companion crops that have been used for flea beetle management. Webmaster potatoes, tomatoes, eggplant, peppers). Generalist predators such as lacewing larvae (Chrysoperla spp.) Fax: 413-383-2836 Nielsen, G.R. Yellow sticky traps and sticky tape will physically capture flea beetles, but they also attract some beneficial insects. September. University of Vermont E-mail: [emailprotected] Extension. Damage from flea beetles is inclined to affect younger plants and seedlings. A few flea beetles on fast-growing plants can be ignored, but unprotected seedlings can be so heavily damaged that the leaves appear to have been scorched. Northwest Potato Research Consortium. Figure 1. Available for purchase online at: Hoffmann, M., R. Hoebeke, and H. Dillard. beetles (Ellis and Bradley, 1992). There are many species of flea beetles, which are a distinctive subfamily of leaf beetles. 5.) Lawn and Garden Care.Natural Resources April 2015 NCAT Conservation Service. (If you have difficulty using this form, please use our Contact Form to send us your comment, along with the title of this article. They are one of the first insects that attack your veggie garden each year. Other sources sug- treatment begin when several damaged rows are gest that garlic sprays are useful (Rateaver and observed, and that spot treatment of rows and Rateaver, 1993). For example, some species of flea beetle larvae emerge in mid- to late spring and adults emerge in mid-summer through fall: by planting earlier or later, you can avoid flea beetle larval feeding, adult emergence, and peak adult feeding activity. Squash Vine Borers. 5. Photo: Rex Dufour, NCAT www.attra.ncat.org Page 3 References Anon. CRC Fax: 520-825-2038 Press, Boston, MA. Row Cover Beneficial nematodes seek out and kill all stages of harmful soil-dwelling insects. grown to attract pest insects away from target crops. Pyola is a natural insecticide product that com- bines canola oil with pyrethrins. Destructive and Golden Harvest Organics Useful Insects, 5th edition. (Available online at:doi:10.1080/09064710.2014.926978) (verified 14 May 2015). Pale-striped flea beetle is twice the size of others. Your beautiful spring greens and radishes are coming along nicely, and then little round holes start appearing in the leaves. Note: Flea beetles transmit viral and bacterial diseases. More information on row cover materials and installation can be found in the Washington State University fact sheet How to Install a Floating Row Cover. 1992. p. 14.6-14.9. The plants are so big and healthy by the time the covers are removed to admit pollinators that they can tolerate light flea beetle feeding. Managing fl ea beetles in cole crops. 70% Neem Oil is approved for organic use and can be sprayed on vegetables, fruit trees and flowers to kill eggs, larvae and adult insects. A few beetles are no match for a vigorously growing plant. Annual Review of Entomology 36: 119-138. Description of the Pest. (Fig. When insects come into contact with B. bassiana fungal spores, either by sprayed droplets or exposure to a treated surface, the spores attach to the insect, germinate, and penetrate the insect's body. Plants mint or catnip, sage, hyssop, basil or nasturtium to attract these helpers. the effective treatments but from this study it was very hard to solely determine the impact of flea beetle control on the quality of the harvested heads. Understanding the biology and life cycle of flea beetles will help to determine the most effective suppressive strategies at the optimum time to manage these difficult and destructive pests. A powerful, fast-acting formula made to provide broad spectrumrelief. Larvae feed on below-ground portions of the plant. [Online]. Brassica feeding flea beetles. They live underground and feed on the roots and tubers of young plants as well as on germinating seeds. Figure 2. For more information on strategies to conserve predators, see the eOrganic article, Farmscaping: Making Use of Natures Pest Management Services. Many species of flea beetles are found throughout the United States. Phyllotreta cruciferae Identification: The crucifer flea beetle is uniformly black and shiny, about 2 mm in length, while the striped flea beetle has two yellow stripes on its back. 7b), and damsel bugs (Nabis spp.) Specialist Published March 2003 Updated by Rex Dufour, NCAT Agriculture Specialist April 2015 NCAT IP389, Contents Introduction 1 Cultural/Physical Controls 2 Biological Control 2 Alternative Pesticides 3 References 4 Further Resources 4, Typical damage of fl ea beetle on brassicaslikely the Crucifer Flea Beetle . Effective against aphids, caterpillars, potato beetles, flea beetles and more! Oregon State University Extension Service EM 8947-E. Entomopathogenic nematodes are soil-dwelling parasitic, unsegmented worms that kill insects. junction with a planned crop rotation in which the crop to be protected follows a non-suscepti- ble crop. Radish and fl ea beetles. Trap cropping in pest management. Neem oil and some horticultural oils are also effective at repelling flea beetles. Mother Earth News. EL71. thrin, sabadilla, and formulations of these in some combination (Ellis and Bradley, 1992). Sumac flea beetle (Blepharida rhois) is a moderate sized beetle. These beetles are 2-3mm (about 1/10in) long, coloured black or metallic green or blue, some have a yellow stripe running the length of each wing case Adult flea beetles can be seen jumping off leaves when disturbed Root feeding by the grubs does not usually affect growth in home gardens Control No votes yet. Damage to the thinner leaves (e.g., mustard and potato plants) (Figs. Specialty Lettuce Unfortunately, these procedures are often in con- and Greens: Organic lay, 1992). University of Minnesota Extension Publication M1210. www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/ Cathy Svejkovsky, Editor Amy Smith, Production detail/national/home/?cid=nrcs143_023497 This publication is available on the Web at: Further Resources www.attra.ncat.org IP389 Websites Slot 109 Evaluating trap crops for controlling ea beetle in brassi- Version 042815 cas, and an organic pesticide trial by Mary Scott. broccoli, kale, cabbage, collards), and Solanaceae (e.g. The fungus releases toxins that liquefy the insides of the insect, creating a food source for the fungus and subsequently killing the insect (Caldwell et al., 2013). 1999. Flea beetle damage on Brassica and Solanaceous crops. (ed.) The most likely culprits are tiny flea beetles the size of a pinhead that jump away and hide at the slightest disturbance. Figure 6. Remove garden trash and plow or rototill under weeds to reduce overwintering sites. p. 82-83. http://www.extension.org/pages/71255/diversity-by-design:- Hines, Rebecca and W.D. Seedlings of crops are most vulnerable to Market Gardeners. Flea beetle. The major flea beetle pests in organic brassicas and solanaceous crops in North America are listed in Tables 1 and 2, and images of adults are shown in Figures 2 and 3. Flea beetle feeding on plants in the Brassicaceae and Solanaceae families can scar foliage and potato tubers, leading to reduced marketable yields and potential total crop loss. Ground beetles consume the tiny larvae, and spiders harvest many adults. Flea beetles are important pests of cultivated plants: the adults feed on the . Flea beetles can overwinter on weed hosts surrounding the field, on residues of a previous tomato crop, or in the soil if the previous crop was a . 1999. 7c) have also been known to feed on adult stages of flea beetles (Knodel and Olson, 2002). The enlarged hindlegs are adapted for jumping. (Available online at: Shelton, A. M., and F. R. Badenes-Perez. Although little research has been done to identify specific living mulches and ground covers that are effective in flea beetle suppression, in general, living mulches can consist of legumes such as clover and vetch. WSU pdf available here: https://pubs.extension.wsu.edu/organic-management-of-flea-beetles, Extension Communications Cultural and biological options are discussed along with alternative pesticidal materials. Try this homemade spray to control flea beetles: 2 cups isopropyl alcohol, 5 cups water, and 1 tablespoon liquid soap. (a) a perimeter trap crop is planted around a field border (b) a strip trap crop is planted along one side of a field. In one trial, this measurably reduced damage to broccoli (Byczynski, 1999). This will have a desiccating effect on pests. Pests of the Garden and Small Crucifer Flea Beetle by J. Parker and W. Snyder. Flea beetle holes are round, resembling tiny pits. 1993. (a) crucifer flea beetle (b) striped flea beetle (c) horseradish flea beetle (d) western black flea beetle. Leafy spurge control using flea beetles (Apthona spp.). Trap crops should always be planted or transplanted before the cash crop in order to provide a food source to the pest insects. Organic methods Make a sticky trap Exploit the beetles' habit of jumping by catching them with a sticky trap. Available at: Grubinger, V. 2004. Because trap crops may vary in their attractiveness over time, it may be important to make multiple plantings of the trap crop. Organic spray: Whether it's one you create yourself or purchase from a garden supply store, sprays are reasonably effective against these annoying bugs. Learn safe, effective flea beetle control using proven, organic solutionshere. No date. Crucifer flea beetle, Phyllotreta cruciferae, on broccoli head. Pupae usually remain in the soil for 7-9 days until adults emerge and the cycle is completed. An exception is the spinach flea beetle, which is 1/4-inch long. Flea Beetles. Applied to the soil, the nematodes attack the beetle's larval stage, Th e kaolin-clay-based product reducing root feeding and helping to prevent the Surround has undergone some next cycle of adults from emerging. When it is no longer sticky, replace the trap. International Journal of Pest Management 50(2): 115-120. Tiny white eggs are laid on or in soil cracks around the base of plants. 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Yet unexpected population spikes can occur, with the organic control method of choice being an organic spinosad spray. Organic management methods may be employed to combat these pests through cultural, physical, and organic-approved sprays and drenches. Full-grown larvae are about three to four millimetres (0.1 to 0.2 of an inch) long. [Online]. Welcome to the public website of eOrganic, the Organic Agriculture Community of the Extension Foundation. Photo credit: Joyce Parker, AAAS S&T USEPA. They eat a wide variety of leaves and can ruin your entire crop if they go unchecked. July. Sign in, https://pubs.extension.wsu.edu/organic-management-of-flea-beetles. Concept and applications of trap cropping in pest management. Photo credits: (a) Natasha Wright, Florida Department of Agriculture, Bugwood.org; (b) Frank Peairs, Colorado State University, Bugwood.org; (c and d) Whitney Cranshaw, Colorado State University, Bugwood.org; (e) G. H. Spitler, Washington State University; (f) Ken Gray, courtesy of Oregon State University. Body color varies by species, black, brown, metallic or white stripes. A trap crop is a stand of plants grown to attract pest insects away from the cash crop, and/or to intercept the pest as it migrates into a cropping field (Hokkanen, 1991; Shelton and Badenes-Perez, 2006) (Fig. Flea Beetles. Using trap crops in addition to other cultural control practices is beneficial. Browse additional control options below or return to our Beetle Control page. NOTES: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the United States Department of Agriculture. The chemical component crucifer flea beetles are attracted to in Brassica plants are glucosinolates and the chemical profile varies between different brassica species. Organic Flea Beetle Control. Entomopathogenic nematodes. Trap crops can also be deployed as monocultures (one trap crop species) or as mixes in polycultures (many trap crop species). Flea beetles are highly mobile, making control difficult. Potato flea beetles have numerous natural enemies and seldom reach damaging numbers in a diversified organic garden.