This document discusses organic control options for flea beetles, a serious pest of vegetable crops. It begins by describing flea beetles and the damage they cause. It then outlines several cultural controls including crop rotation, trap cropping, and row covers. Biological controls like beneficial insects and entomopathogenic nematodes are also discussed. Finally, the document reviews alternative pesticides that are allowed in organic production, such as insecticidal soaps, botanical pesticides, and diatomaceous earth. Monitoring fields is important to determine when any treatments may need to be applied.
This presentation provides an overview of trap crop research and demonstrations in tomato (mainly) and squash production system. This paper was presented at the International IPM Symposium, Baltimore, MD (March 20, 2018).
Biological Control of Weeds in European Crops
`
For more information, Please see websites below:
`
Organic Edible Schoolyards & Gardening with Children
http://scribd.com/doc/239851214
`
Double Food Production from your School Garden with Organic Tech
http://scribd.com/doc/239851079
`
Free School Gardening Art Posters
http://scribd.com/doc/239851159`
`
Companion Planting Increases Food Production from School Gardens
http://scribd.com/doc/239851159
`
Healthy Foods Dramatically Improves Student Academic Success
http://scribd.com/doc/239851348
`
City Chickens for your Organic School Garden
http://scribd.com/doc/239850440
`
Simple Square Foot Gardening for Schools - Teacher Guide
http://scribd.com/doc/239851110
This presentation was developed for high tunnel crop producers who are regularly plagued by many chewing and sucking insect pests. This presentation ends with a brief discussion of organic insecticides and other pest management methods. For questions, call 251-331-8416 or contact the county Extension office in your state.
Content:
Introduction
Importance of Host Plant Resistance
Historical perspectives
Advantages and Disadvantages of HPR
Mechanisms of Resistance
Adaptation of Resistance in Plant to Insect
Morphological
Anatomical
Biochemical
Assembly of plant species - Gene Pool
Behavior in Relation to Host Plant Factor
This presentation provides an overview of trap crop research and demonstrations in tomato (mainly) and squash production system. This paper was presented at the International IPM Symposium, Baltimore, MD (March 20, 2018).
Biological Control of Weeds in European Crops
`
For more information, Please see websites below:
`
Organic Edible Schoolyards & Gardening with Children
http://scribd.com/doc/239851214
`
Double Food Production from your School Garden with Organic Tech
http://scribd.com/doc/239851079
`
Free School Gardening Art Posters
http://scribd.com/doc/239851159`
`
Companion Planting Increases Food Production from School Gardens
http://scribd.com/doc/239851159
`
Healthy Foods Dramatically Improves Student Academic Success
http://scribd.com/doc/239851348
`
City Chickens for your Organic School Garden
http://scribd.com/doc/239850440
`
Simple Square Foot Gardening for Schools - Teacher Guide
http://scribd.com/doc/239851110
This presentation was developed for high tunnel crop producers who are regularly plagued by many chewing and sucking insect pests. This presentation ends with a brief discussion of organic insecticides and other pest management methods. For questions, call 251-331-8416 or contact the county Extension office in your state.
Content:
Introduction
Importance of Host Plant Resistance
Historical perspectives
Advantages and Disadvantages of HPR
Mechanisms of Resistance
Adaptation of Resistance in Plant to Insect
Morphological
Anatomical
Biochemical
Assembly of plant species - Gene Pool
Behavior in Relation to Host Plant Factor
This slideshow summarizes preliminary results from research done on cowpea curculio in Alabama. This insect is a major insect pest of southern peas and very difficult to control to current practices. Information about insect life cycle and behavior are also included. For more IPM information or for educational videos, visit www.aces.edu/vegetableipm.
This presentation was delivered at the eOrganic webinar where it is archived with audio. This is the basic IPM presentation given to national audience on December 2, 2014. Presentation focuses on the management of yellowmargined flea beetles - a major insect pest of crucifers on organic/small farms.
This presentation, discussing some concepts of ecological based pest management and vegetable entomology research findings, was given by Dr. Ayanava Majumdar at the Alabama Food and Farm Forum, 2010, in Selma, AL (USA). Please acknowledge the author and Alabama Cooperative Extension System when using the data for education and training. The research data is preliminary and should be interpreted with caution. For further information about this or other slideshows contact Dr. A at 251-331-8416.
biological weed control ,what is bio-control of weed ,how biological control of weed works ,advantage of biological weed control ,methods and agents of biological weed control
Effect of time and proportion of leaf harvest on pest, forage and root yields...Agriculture Journal IJOEAR
Dearth of knowledge exists regarding the leaf harvest intensity and frequency thresholds that support optimum forage and fresh storage root yields in Sierra Leone. A study was carried out to assess the effects of leaf harvesting time and proportion on Cylas puncticollis infestation, growth and yield of sweet potato in the inland valley swamp and upland ecologies of Njala. Treatment combinations comprised of two varieties ("Kabia" and "Gbanie"), four leaf harvest regimes: 0, 30 60 and 90 days after planting (DAP); and four-leaf harvest intensities (0, 25, 50 and 100%). The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. Data collected included Cylas puncticollis severity on vines and storage roots, root dimensions and numbers, fresh foliage and storage root yields. The results revealed that leaf harvesting twice at 25 and 50% contributed more to optimum forage and storage root yields and related attributes of sweet potatoes compared to other treatments. The present study suggests that good agronomic management of sweet potato that supports optimum forage and storage root yields should be selected to meet the dual purpose for which it is grown. These findings serve as good guide for incorporation of leaf harvesting time, proportion of leaf harvest in germplasm assessment and new population development objectives.
In this slide different fungi are Mentioned and their role as bio-control agents is also elaborated which is reviewed from different research articles cited in reference portion.
This slideshow summarizes preliminary results from research done on cowpea curculio in Alabama. This insect is a major insect pest of southern peas and very difficult to control to current practices. Information about insect life cycle and behavior are also included. For more IPM information or for educational videos, visit www.aces.edu/vegetableipm.
This presentation was delivered at the eOrganic webinar where it is archived with audio. This is the basic IPM presentation given to national audience on December 2, 2014. Presentation focuses on the management of yellowmargined flea beetles - a major insect pest of crucifers on organic/small farms.
This presentation, discussing some concepts of ecological based pest management and vegetable entomology research findings, was given by Dr. Ayanava Majumdar at the Alabama Food and Farm Forum, 2010, in Selma, AL (USA). Please acknowledge the author and Alabama Cooperative Extension System when using the data for education and training. The research data is preliminary and should be interpreted with caution. For further information about this or other slideshows contact Dr. A at 251-331-8416.
biological weed control ,what is bio-control of weed ,how biological control of weed works ,advantage of biological weed control ,methods and agents of biological weed control
Effect of time and proportion of leaf harvest on pest, forage and root yields...Agriculture Journal IJOEAR
Dearth of knowledge exists regarding the leaf harvest intensity and frequency thresholds that support optimum forage and fresh storage root yields in Sierra Leone. A study was carried out to assess the effects of leaf harvesting time and proportion on Cylas puncticollis infestation, growth and yield of sweet potato in the inland valley swamp and upland ecologies of Njala. Treatment combinations comprised of two varieties ("Kabia" and "Gbanie"), four leaf harvest regimes: 0, 30 60 and 90 days after planting (DAP); and four-leaf harvest intensities (0, 25, 50 and 100%). The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. Data collected included Cylas puncticollis severity on vines and storage roots, root dimensions and numbers, fresh foliage and storage root yields. The results revealed that leaf harvesting twice at 25 and 50% contributed more to optimum forage and storage root yields and related attributes of sweet potatoes compared to other treatments. The present study suggests that good agronomic management of sweet potato that supports optimum forage and storage root yields should be selected to meet the dual purpose for which it is grown. These findings serve as good guide for incorporation of leaf harvesting time, proportion of leaf harvest in germplasm assessment and new population development objectives.
In this slide different fungi are Mentioned and their role as bio-control agents is also elaborated which is reviewed from different research articles cited in reference portion.
Chemical and ecological control methods for Epitrix spp.GJESM Publication
Very little information exists in regards to the control options available for potato flea beetles, Epitrix spp. This short review covers both chemical and ecological options currently available for control of Epitrix spp. Synthetic pyrethroids are the weapon of choice for the beetles. However, the impetus in integrated pest management is
to do timely (early-season) applications with something harsh which will give long-term protection at a time when there are not a lot of beneficials in the field. Finding the balance for control of Epitrix spp. is proving difficult.
Austin Chemical Engineering is an open access, peer reviewed, scholarly journal dedicated to publish articles related to original and novel fundamental research in the field of Chemical Engineering. We are endowed with a faculty who are dedicated Editorial members and distinguished researchers that carry out cutting-edge research in all modern areas of chemical engineering, as well as in inter-disciplinary areas like nanosciences and technology, biosciences, soft matter physics, novel materials, high-performance computing and large multicentre studies of new therapies. It also provides state-of-the-art reviews on clinical and experimental therapies in chemical Engineering.
The journey through our website will provide you the information on our research efforts in science and engineering, the people, the place, the future plans and opportunities.
Austin Chemical Engineering is an open access, peer reviewed, scholarly journal dedicated to publish articles related to original and novel fundamental research in the field of Chemical Engineering.
Garden Therapy: Links to Articles, Books, Profession Groups, DVDElisaMendelsohn
GARDENING THERAPY Resource List of Articles, Books, Manuals, DVD's, Training Programs and Professional Associations
TOPICS COVERED:
Horticulture Therapy
Healing Gardens
Sensory Gardens
Garden Therapy
Garden Therapy for the Disabled
Garden Therapy for the Mentally Challenged
Garden Therapy for Alzheimer’s Disease
Garden Therapy for Depression
Garden Therapy for Autistic Children
Garden Therapy for the Blind and the Visually Impaired
Garden Therapy for Hospitals
Garden Therapy for Nursing Homes
Garden Therapy for Seniors
Garden Therapy for the Handicapped
Garden Therapy for Prisons, Jails and Correction Facilities
Garden Therapy for Botanical Garden
Garden Therapy and Community Gardens
Garden Therapy for Single Mothers
Garden Therapy for Stress
Garden Therapy for Veterans
Garden Therapy at Veterans Facilities
Garden Therapy for Soldiers
Garden Therapy for Posttraumatic Stress Disorders
People Plant Connections
Gardening and Physical Fitness
Greenhouse and Garden Therapy for Disabled People
Accessible Gardening
Wheelchair Gardening
Vertical Gardening and Garden Therapy
Container Gardening and Garden Therapy
Adaptive Garden Equipment for Garden Therapy
Tools for Garden Therapy
Urban Trees and Mental Health
Parks and Garden Therapy
Nature and Learning
Greening School Grounds by Design
Garden Therapy for Schools
Plants in the Classroom for Enhanced Learning
Garden Therapy for Pre Schools
Garden Therapy for Daycare
Garden Therapy for Elementary School Bullies
Garden Therapy and Community Development
Garden Therapy and Food Security
Garden Therapy for Low Income People
Garden Therapy for Homeless People
Garden Therapy and Crime Reduction
Garden Therapy and Neighborhood Security
How to Create Map Views in the Odoo 17 ERPCeline George
The map views are useful for providing a geographical representation of data. They allow users to visualize and analyze the data in a more intuitive manner.
The French Revolution, which began in 1789, was a period of radical social and political upheaval in France. It marked the decline of absolute monarchies, the rise of secular and democratic republics, and the eventual rise of Napoleon Bonaparte. This revolutionary period is crucial in understanding the transition from feudalism to modernity in Europe.
For more information, visit-www.vavaclasses.com
2024.06.01 Introducing a competency framework for languag learning materials ...Sandy Millin
http://sandymillin.wordpress.com/iateflwebinar2024
Published classroom materials form the basis of syllabuses, drive teacher professional development, and have a potentially huge influence on learners, teachers and education systems. All teachers also create their own materials, whether a few sentences on a blackboard, a highly-structured fully-realised online course, or anything in between. Despite this, the knowledge and skills needed to create effective language learning materials are rarely part of teacher training, and are mostly learnt by trial and error.
Knowledge and skills frameworks, generally called competency frameworks, for ELT teachers, trainers and managers have existed for a few years now. However, until I created one for my MA dissertation, there wasn’t one drawing together what we need to know and do to be able to effectively produce language learning materials.
This webinar will introduce you to my framework, highlighting the key competencies I identified from my research. It will also show how anybody involved in language teaching (any language, not just English!), teacher training, managing schools or developing language learning materials can benefit from using the framework.
Synthetic Fiber Construction in lab .pptxPavel ( NSTU)
Synthetic fiber production is a fascinating and complex field that blends chemistry, engineering, and environmental science. By understanding these aspects, students can gain a comprehensive view of synthetic fiber production, its impact on society and the environment, and the potential for future innovations. Synthetic fibers play a crucial role in modern society, impacting various aspects of daily life, industry, and the environment. ynthetic fibers are integral to modern life, offering a range of benefits from cost-effectiveness and versatility to innovative applications and performance characteristics. While they pose environmental challenges, ongoing research and development aim to create more sustainable and eco-friendly alternatives. Understanding the importance of synthetic fibers helps in appreciating their role in the economy, industry, and daily life, while also emphasizing the need for sustainable practices and innovation.
The Roman Empire A Historical Colossus.pdfkaushalkr1407
The Roman Empire, a vast and enduring power, stands as one of history's most remarkable civilizations, leaving an indelible imprint on the world. It emerged from the Roman Republic, transitioning into an imperial powerhouse under the leadership of Augustus Caesar in 27 BCE. This transformation marked the beginning of an era defined by unprecedented territorial expansion, architectural marvels, and profound cultural influence.
The empire's roots lie in the city of Rome, founded, according to legend, by Romulus in 753 BCE. Over centuries, Rome evolved from a small settlement to a formidable republic, characterized by a complex political system with elected officials and checks on power. However, internal strife, class conflicts, and military ambitions paved the way for the end of the Republic. Julius Caesar’s dictatorship and subsequent assassination in 44 BCE created a power vacuum, leading to a civil war. Octavian, later Augustus, emerged victorious, heralding the Roman Empire’s birth.
Under Augustus, the empire experienced the Pax Romana, a 200-year period of relative peace and stability. Augustus reformed the military, established efficient administrative systems, and initiated grand construction projects. The empire's borders expanded, encompassing territories from Britain to Egypt and from Spain to the Euphrates. Roman legions, renowned for their discipline and engineering prowess, secured and maintained these vast territories, building roads, fortifications, and cities that facilitated control and integration.
The Roman Empire’s society was hierarchical, with a rigid class system. At the top were the patricians, wealthy elites who held significant political power. Below them were the plebeians, free citizens with limited political influence, and the vast numbers of slaves who formed the backbone of the economy. The family unit was central, governed by the paterfamilias, the male head who held absolute authority.
Culturally, the Romans were eclectic, absorbing and adapting elements from the civilizations they encountered, particularly the Greeks. Roman art, literature, and philosophy reflected this synthesis, creating a rich cultural tapestry. Latin, the Roman language, became the lingua franca of the Western world, influencing numerous modern languages.
Roman architecture and engineering achievements were monumental. They perfected the arch, vault, and dome, constructing enduring structures like the Colosseum, Pantheon, and aqueducts. These engineering marvels not only showcased Roman ingenuity but also served practical purposes, from public entertainment to water supply.
The Art Pastor's Guide to Sabbath | Steve ThomasonSteve Thomason
What is the purpose of the Sabbath Law in the Torah. It is interesting to compare how the context of the law shifts from Exodus to Deuteronomy. Who gets to rest, and why?
This is a presentation by Dada Robert in a Your Skill Boost masterclass organised by the Excellence Foundation for South Sudan (EFSS) on Saturday, the 25th and Sunday, the 26th of May 2024.
He discussed the concept of quality improvement, emphasizing its applicability to various aspects of life, including personal, project, and program improvements. He defined quality as doing the right thing at the right time in the right way to achieve the best possible results and discussed the concept of the "gap" between what we know and what we do, and how this gap represents the areas we need to improve. He explained the scientific approach to quality improvement, which involves systematic performance analysis, testing and learning, and implementing change ideas. He also highlighted the importance of client focus and a team approach to quality improvement.
Operation “Blue Star” is the only event in the history of Independent India where the state went into war with its own people. Even after about 40 years it is not clear if it was culmination of states anger over people of the region, a political game of power or start of dictatorial chapter in the democratic setup.
The people of Punjab felt alienated from main stream due to denial of their just demands during a long democratic struggle since independence. As it happen all over the word, it led to militant struggle with great loss of lives of military, police and civilian personnel. Killing of Indira Gandhi and massacre of innocent Sikhs in Delhi and other India cities was also associated with this movement.
The Indian economy is classified into different sectors to simplify the analysis and understanding of economic activities. For Class 10, it's essential to grasp the sectors of the Indian economy, understand their characteristics, and recognize their importance. This guide will provide detailed notes on the Sectors of the Indian Economy Class 10, using specific long-tail keywords to enhance comprehension.
For more information, visit-www.vavaclasses.com
Sectors of the Indian Economy - Class 10 Study Notes pdf
Flea Beetle: Organic Control Options
1. FLEA BEETLE: ORGANIC
CONTROL OPTIONS
CURRENT TOPIC
By George Kuepper
NCAT Agriculture Specialist
March 2003
Abstract
This publication focuses on organic control of flea beetles, one of the more serious vegetable crop pests.
Cultural and biological options are discussed along with alternative pesticidal materials.
Introduction
Flea beetles are one of the most difficult-to-manage pests of eggplant and cole crops. They are also
a problem on seedlings of tomatoes, potatoes, peppers, turnips, radishes, and corn. There are
various genera and species of flea beetles, all members of the Chrysomelidae family. The adults are
active leaf-feeders that can, in large numbers, rapidly defoliate and kill plants. Symptoms of flea-
beetle feeding are small, rounded, irregular holes; heavy feeding makes leaves look as if they had
been peppered with fine shot. Some species also vector serious diseases such as potato blight and
bacterial wilt of corn. Further damage may be done by the larvae, which feed on plant roots. Some
flea beetles are considered general feeders, though many species attack only one plant or closely
related kinds of plants (1).
Life history varies somewhat with species, but most appear to pass the winter in the adult stage,
sheltering under plant debris in the field, field margins, and adjacent areas. The adults emerge in
spring and may feed on weeds and less-desirable vegetation until crop plants become available. As
a result, they are frequent pests in seedbeds and on new transplants (1). They may become espe-
cially troublesome when weedy areas begin to “dry up.” Flea beetles cause the greatest damage by
feeding on cotyledons, stems, and foliage (2).
In organic systems, the preferred approaches to pest management are those that enhance the diver-
sity of the farm system, such as cover cropping, rotation, and interplanting; those that use special
knowledge of pest biology, such as delayed planting; and those that take advantage of existing on-
farm resources. These approaches are typified by cultural and biological controls, which will be
discussed first. Alternative pesticides, while frequently necessary for some crop pests and condi-
tions, can be treated as “rescue chemistry”—to be used when and if other strategies fall short.
Cultural/Physical Controls
Flea beetles are favored by stable warm spring weather and hampered by alternating periods of hot
and cold temperatures with intermittent rains. Seedlings of crops are most vulnerable to flea-beetle
feeding when stressed, particularly by inadequate moisture. Providing good nutrition and favor-
able growing conditions aids in shortening the vulnerable early-growth stages and helps plants
ATTRA is the national sustainable agriculture information service, operated by the National Center
for Appropriate Technology through a grant from the Rural Business-Cooperative Service, U.S.
Department of Agriculture. These organizations do not recommend or endorse products, companies,
or individuals. NCAT has offices in Fayetteville, Arkansas (P.O. Box 3657, Fayetteville, AR 72702),
Butte, Montana, and Davis, California.
2. survive flea-beetle attack. The literature suggests that organic fertilization may make crops less
attractive to flea beetles (3).
Because the pest is so mobile, and because so many genera and species are involved, crop rotation,
by itself, has little effect as a control strategy. However, living mulches or polycultures are known
to reduce flea-beetle damage (3, 4). One reason for this is that the individual crop plants are not
silhouetted against a bare-soil background and are less obvious to the pest (3). The ATTRA publi-
cation Companion Planting elaborates further on this subject.
Trap cropping, in which attractive plant species are planted near the main crop to draw the pest
away, offers some possibilities for flea-beetle management. Apparently the most practical trap
crop is Chinese Southern Giant Mustard (Brassica juncea var. crispifolia), seed of which is widely
available. Research has shown that planting this trap crop about every 55 yards between rows of
cabbage, broccoli, or cauliflower (or as a border around the field) can do an exceptional job of
protecting them. To retain effectiveness, reseeding of the trap crop may be necessary, especially if
the pest destroys the first planting. The trap is less effective in protecting crops that are almost as
attractive to flea beetles as Giant Mustard is, such as Nappa cabbage, gai choy, and choy sum (5).
Another approach to trap cropping is to interplant radishes—‘Chinese Daikon’ and ‘Snow Belle’
are preferred by the pest—at 6- or 12-inch intervals among cole crops. In one trial, this measurably
reduced damage to broccoli (6).
Row-cover materials such as Reema™ can be used to cover seedlings and provide a barrier to adult
beetles. It is advisable to get the row cover in place at or before emergence for maximum protection.
The covers can be removed once the pest population subsides (7). To be most effective, row covers
should be used in conjunction with a planned crop rotation in which the crop to be protected
follows a non-susceptible crop. This reduces the chance that pests will emerge under the row cover
(8). ATTRA has additional information on row covers, including manufacturers and distributors,
in the publication Season Extension Techniques for Market Gardeners.
Growers report some level of flea-beetle control using white and yellow sticky traps (6, 9). Refer-
ence is made to individual traps placed every 15 to 30 feet of row. Encircling the field with continu-
ous sticky tape is also mentioned. Sources of sticky traps include ARBICO (10) and Golden Harvest
Organics (11).
Since the adults overwinter in plant debris, there is value in sanitation procedures that destroy
refuge sites. Plowing or rototilling weeds and crop residues in the fall is often recommended, as is
destruction of grassy and solanaceous (tomato family) weeds adjacent to the field (12). Unfortu-
nately, these procedures are often in conflict with good sustainable practices that strive to maintain
soil cover and field buffers. When such conflicts occur, growers can view sanitation procedures as
transitional strategies only, and look for more sustainable practices to use in the future.
Anecdotal reports have suggested that catnip might repel flea beetles. Research by organic garden-
ers in 1997 failed to confirm this information, however. The gardeners reported that catnip used as
a mulch or sprayed as an extract tea did a generally poor job of repelling the pest (13).
Biological Control
In healthy agroecosystems, there are populations of beneficial predators and parasites that work to
control the number of flea beetles and other pests. One example is Microcotonus vittage Muesebeck,
PAGE 2 //FLEA BEETLE: ORGANIC CONTROL OPTIONS
3. a native braconid wasp that kills the adult flea beetle and sterilizes the female flea beetle (2). Grow-
ers can manage the diversity of their farms and gardens to support populations of beneficials.
Specific information on such strategies is provided in the ATTRA publication Farmscaping for Bio-
logical Control.
Commercial formulations of entomopathogenic nematodes are effective agents for controlling flea
beetles (7). Applied to the soil, the nematodes attack the beetle’s larval stage, reducing root feeding
and helping to prevent the next cycle of adults from emerging. Ohio State University identifies
sources of these nematodes online at <http://www2.oardc.ohio-state.edu/nematodes/
nematode_suppliers.htm>.
Alternative Pesticides
Botanical pesticides recommended for controlling flea beetles include neem, rotenone, pyrethrin,
sabadilla, and formulations of these in some combination (7). The University of California men-
tions insecticidal soap as an organic option for flea beetles, but indicates that it “may provide par-
tial control” only (14, 15). Sprays combining rotenone with insecticidal soap are considered very
effective (12). Other sources suggest that garlic sprays are useful (16). Research in Colorado showed
that garlic extracts are successful in suppressing flea beetles, but efficacy may trail off later in the
season (17). In addition to garlic, the U.S. Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) recom-
mends onion and mint as natural flea-beetle repellants (18).
Pyola™ is a natural insecticide product that combines canola oil with pyrethrins. It is recom-
mended for use on flea beetles, cucumber beetles, Mexican bean beetles, squash bugs, aphids, mites,
and Colorado potato beetle (19). However, since much of the canola oil on the market is derived
from genetically engineered plants, this product may or may not be acceptable for organic produc-
tion. Growers should contact their certifying agent before purchase and use.
Botanical and soap-based pesticides should be considered a last resort in organic management.
Like synthetic pesticides, most of these materials are broad-spectrum and kill many beneficial, non-
target organisms, including predators and parasites that help keep the flea beetle population in
check naturally.
Not a botanical and not often mentioned in this regard, diatomaceous earth has been observed to
reduce flea-beetle populations and is sometimes recommended (20, 21).
The kaolin-clay-based product Surround™ has undergone some preliminary evaluation for flea-
beetle control on eggplant. While effective in reducing flea-beetle damage, Surround™ degraded
fruit yield and quality; there also were problems removing the clay-residue coating from the fruit.
The use of this product will likely be limited to the early part of the season, before fruit set (22).
Fields should be regularly monitored to determine if and when any pesticidal agents should be
applied. This is especially critical with flea beetles, since a small population can do significant
damage to a crop in the cotyledon or first-leaf stages. The University of California recommends
that treatment begin when several damaged rows are observed, and that spot treatment of rows
and borders be attempted first (14). Small growers, whose whole crop may comprise just a few
rows, will need to act more quickly. Once cole crops reach the five-leaf stage, they are generally
able to tolerate a moderate level of damage; older plants are even more tolerant.
//FLEA BEETLE: ORGANIC CONTROL OPTIONS PAGE 3
4. References
1. Metcalf, R.L. and R.A. Metcalf. 1993. Destructive And Useful Insects, 5th edition.
McGraw-Hill Book Co., New York, NY. p. 14.6–14.9.
2. Hines, Rebecca and W.D. Hutchinson. 1997. Flea Beetles. Minnesota Extension Service.
January. <http://www.vegedge.umn.edu/vegpest/colecrop/flea.htm>.
3. McKinlay, Roderick G. 1992. Vegetable Crop Pests. CRC Press, Boston, MA. p. 98–101.
4. Anon. 2000. Flea beetles. Organic Gardening. March–April. p. 64.
5. Chaput, Jim. 1999. Managing flea beetles in cole crops. Eco-Farm & Garden. Summer.
p. 31–32.
6. Byczynski, Lynn. 1999. Tips, but no easy answers to flea beetle invasions. Growing for
Market. March. p. 12.
7. Ellis, Barbara W. and Fern Marshall Bradley. 1992. The Organic Gardener’s Handbook
Of Natural Insect and Disease Control. Rodale Press, Emmaus, PA. 534 p.
8. Caldwell, Brian. 1998. Flea beetles. Organic Farms, Folks & Foods. May–June. p. 14.
9. Anon. 1996. Sticky traps for flea beetles. The Farm Connection. Summer. p. 10.
10. ARBICO
P.O. Box 4247
Tucson, AZ 85738-1247
Tel: 800-827-2847
Fax: 520-825-2038
E-mail: info@arbico.com
11. Golden Harvest Organics
404 N. Impala Drive
Fort Collins, CO 80521
Tel: 970-224-4679
Fax: 413-383-2836
E-mail: info@ghorganics.com
http://www.ghorganics.com/StickyTrap.html
12. Flint, Mary Louise. 1990. Pests of the Garden and Small Farm. University of California,
Oakland, CA. p. 82-83.
13. Long, Cheryl. 1998. Organic Gardening gardeners’ report. Organic Gardening. April.
p. 16.
14. Anon. 1997. UC IPM Pest Management Guidelines—Cole Crops. University of Califor-
nia, Davis, CA. December. p. A.7–A.8. <http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/PMG/
r108300511.html>.
PAGE 4 //FLEA BEETLE: ORGANIC CONTROL OPTIONS
5. 15. Nielsen, G.R. 1997. Flea Beetles. University of Vermont Extension. EL71.
<http://www.uvm.edu/pss/ppp/pubs/el71.htm>.
16. Rateaver, Bargyla and Gylver Rateaver. 1993. The Organic Method Primer, Update
Special Edition. Rateavers, San Diego, CA. p. 137.
17. Anon. 1998. Flea Beetle IPM. IPM Practitioner. September. p. 16.
18. Anon. No date. Lawn and Garden Care. U.S. Natural Resources Conservation Service.
<http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/feature/highlights/homegarden/lawn.html>.
19. Anon. No date. Pyola. Gardens Alive Online Store. <http://www.gardensalive.com/
item_display.asp?ProductNumber=8101&HOME=1>.
20. Anon. 1999. Radish and flea beetles. IPM Practitioner. July. p. 14.
21. Spring, Alexandra, and Eric Day. No date. Flea Beetles. Dept. of Entomology, Virginia
Tech, Blacksburg, VA. <http://www.idlab.ento.vt.edu/IDLab/vegpests/vegfs/
fleabeetles.html>.
22. Maletta, M. et al. 2002. Evaluation of Surround for Pest Control on Eggplant. Plant & Pest
Advisory. Rutgers Cooperative Extension, University of New Jersey, Brunswick, NJ.
January 31. p. 1-2.
Further Resources
Evaluating trap crops for controlling flea beetle in brassicas, and an organic pesticide trial
http://ofrf.org/funded/ib%20articles/smith_97-39_ib.pdf
An overview of research that studied trap crops and their effectiveness for controlling flea beetles.
Flea Beetles
http://www.ext.colostate.edu/pubs/insect/05592.html
Provides information on history and habits of flea beetles, as well as cultural and chemical controls.
Flea Beetles on Vegetables
http://ipm.ncsu.edu/AG295/html/flea_beetles.htm
Provides a useful profile of flea beetles, including their biology and habits, host plants, damage,
distribution, and control.
//FLEA BEETLE: ORGANIC CONTROL OPTIONS PAGE 5
6. By George Kuepper
NCAT Agriculture Specialist
Edited by Richard Earles
Formatted by Cynthia Arnold
March 2003
The electronic version of Flea Beetle: Organic Control
Options is located at:
HTML
http://www.attra.ncat.org/attra-pub/fleabeetle.html
PDF
http://www.attra.ncat.org/attra-pub/fleabeetle.pdf
CT114
PAGE 6 //FLEA BEETLE: ORGANIC CONTROL OPTIONS