Organic Insecticides | Organic Pesticides | EcoSMART Bug Spray

Under Asparagus Beetle Attack!

June 15th, 2009 Posted in Beetles & Ladybugs, Ornamental & Lawn Pests

I don’t know about you, but I love vegetables. So when I hear one is in trouble, I feel the need to do something. I recently discovered that one of my favorite green things, ASPARAGUS, is facing a mortal enemy: ASPARAGUS BEETLES! (Cue horrifying music.)

This article will inform you on:

• Identifying different types of Asparagus Beetles
• The damage they cause
• How to hit them where it hurts!

Different Asparagus Beetles

There are two different species of this devilish creature:

1. Common Asparagus Beetle (Crioceris asparagi) – has a black and blue head, green antennae, a red thorax and yellow wings. Their larvae are usually olive in color with black heads and legs. When they reach adulthood, they measure about 1/4 inch long.

2. Spotted Asparagus Beetle (Crioceris duodecimpunctata) – they are more vibrant, resembling a lady bug with its bright reddish orange body covered with 6 spots on each wing.

Oh, the Destruction!

Both species can cause severe damage to asparagus crops, both at home and commercially, so much that they affect its economic standing – it is their ONLY food source.

Newly sprouted asparagus, you know, when its just a baby are the preferred meal of the beetle, and this causes the most damage, especially early on in the season. They leave the plant full of holes and eggs and cause it to turn into a sad brown.

Their eggs hatch in 3-8 days, and they don’t stop eating for two weeks after that – fatties! Proper root development is prevented by their eating, causing a serious drop in quality of the asparagus, often making them unmarketable.

If you don’t recognize them by their color, it is possible to distinguish them from other beetles in terms of their childish games. Once you see them on the stem of the plant, and approach them, they immediately shift to the other side, playing hide and seek. Don’t be fooled by this tomfoolery, they’re evil asparagus killers!

*Controlling these pests is actually difficult for agricultural workers because asparagus grows in a permanent bed, making it even easier for the beetles to reproduce and conquer year after year.

GET ‘EM!

Forget chemical pesticides for once! Although, I’m sure they’ll annihilate these creatures, there’s no need to inflict harm on gardeners or farmers! You have other options that don’t involve toxic chemicals.

The solution is simple: EcoSMART

Not only do they have a completely organic insecticide that can come in handy for gardeners, but they are now launching a new line of products for the agricultural industry. The technology is the first of its kind, working on contact to keep crops and their suppliers safe.



Alyse Popp