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Vegetables
Volume 58 Number 1 Date 05/02/2013 FLEA BEETLES - Growers of early-planted and transplanted leafy vegetables such as spinach and leafy greens are advised to take measures soon to prevent or delay flea beetle invasion of spring crops. Most flea beetle damage is inflicted in the first two weeks post-emergence, so plants should be inspected every 1-2 days during this period of susceptibility. Adjusting planting dates, enclosing seed beds with floating row covers, and eliminating weed hosts are all strategies to reduce flea beetle problems. Planting a mustard trap crop (1% of total acreage) 7-14 days in advance of the primary crop is another option, although research on trap cropping has produced mixed results. COMMON ASPARAGUS BEETLE - The phenology model for this asparagus pest forecasts the first appearance of adults from 150-240 degree days (base 50°F). The lower range of this threshold will be surpassed next week across much of southern Wisconsin. -- Krista Hamilton, DATCP Entomologist 
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