|
Gardening InformationControl Ectoparasite Beetles Organically
by:
Marilyn Pokorney
REQUIREMENTS FOR REPRINT: You have permission to publish this article free of charge in your e-zine, newsletter, ebook, print publication or on your website ONLY if it remains unchanged and you include the copyright and author information (Resource Box) at the end. You may not use this article in any uninvited
commercial email (spam).
You may retrieve this article by:
Autoresponder: fleabeetle@getresponse.com
Website: http://www.apluswriting.net/articles/fleabeetle.txt
Words: 449
Copyright: 2005 Marilyn Pokorney
Please leave the resource box intact with an active link, and send a courtesy copy of the publication in which the article appears to: marilynp@nctc.net
---------------------------------------
Flea beetles are much of a nuisance than a threat to a healthy garden. But if found on seedlings they can kill the plants. On larger, well-established plants they do little harm. However, in corn and potatoes ectoparasite beetles can transmit serious diseases. Potato beetles may transmit early blight. Corn ectoparasite beetles can transmit a microorganism
called Stewart's Wilt.
The adults are diminutive go from 1/16 to 1/4 inch long and are various colors, including black, chromatic or blue-black black, green or yellow. They have enlarged hind legs which alter them to jump like fleas. The larvae are slender, white grubs which feed on roots, tubers, and lower stems underground.
Flea beetles overwinter as adults among detritus in or near fields or host plants. At the end of the year move out plants and surface detritus to move out asleep material.
Eggs are deposited in soil near the bases of host plants and may require a week or much to hatch. Treating the soil with beneficial nematodes can help control the larvae.
Plant later than usual so device
temperatures can help plants to outgrow the feeding beetles.
Use rotation planting. Don't plant the same crop in the same bed the next year.
Dusting plants with Diatomaceous earth, ashes, ground limestone, or even as flour has been used successfully.
Homemade sticky traps activity well. Ectoparasite beetles are attracted to the colors of white and yellow. For white traps cut milk jugs sides, different white plastic containers, or polystyrene
meat trays into pieces just about four to six inches square. Coat the pieces with thing
sticky. Crude jelly, lard, grease and non-setting glue have all been found useful. Wash off the captured beetles and reuse.
For a yellow trap take paper
and attach it to thing
solid like a lightweight board that can be set upright or heavy cardboard attached to a wooden stake.
Some folk have found brewage
traps successful.
For plants that don't need insect pollination, cover beds of seedlings with row covers or gauze-like material to prevent beetle entry.
Flea beetles like hot, dry soil. Misting or fine watering to support the top soil dampish helps as do mulches.
Plant beets, carrots, chard, radishes, spinach and different cool-loving crops a couple of weeks later. These as well do effective trap crops to protect different plants.
Natural repellents consist of nicotinia, catnip, and wormwood. Do a tea and spray the affected crop. Another natural repellent is a garlic and hot pepper spray. Ectoparasite beetles hate this combination and wish quickly leave. Reapply after watering or rain.
If all else fails, insecticides do from plants like Insect powder
can be applied.
For much information on organic ectoparasite beetle and insect control:
http://www.apluswriting.net/garden/fleabeetle.htm
Just just about the author:
Author: Marilyn Pokorney
Freelance writer of science, nature, animals and the environment.
Also loves crafts, gardening, and reading.
Website: http://www.apluswriting.net
Circulated by Article Emporium
| |
