Asparagus Beetles: A Guide for Young Gardeners
Asparagus beetles are a common pest that can damage asparagus plants. There are two main types of asparagus beetle: the common asparagus beetle and the spotted asparagus beetle. Both types are primarily orange, but the common asparagus beetle has black wings dotted with white, while the spotted asparagus beetle is entirely orange dotted with black.
Asparagus beetles are most common and damaging on asparagus plants. Both adults and larvae feed on the spears and tips, scarring them. Spears become unappetizing when frass (insect droppings) stains them and eggs are deposited in the tips. In addition, the larvae of the spotted asparagus beetle will feed inside developing berries and consume foliage.
How to Identify Asparagus Beetles
- Look for orange beetles with black or white spots.
- Check the spears and tips of asparagus plants for feeding damage and eggs.
- Examine the foliage for larvae.
How to Control Asparagus Beetles Organically
- Hand picking: Hand pick asparagus beetles daily and drop them into a bucket of soapy water.
- Neem oil: Apply neem oil to asparagus plants, especially in years when harvesting is not recommended. Neem oil is a natural insecticide that can help to control asparagus beetles.
- Cutting asparagus shoots: Cut asparagus shoots as they appear and leave no more than two days between harvests. This can help to prevent eggs from hatching.
- Collecting berries: Collect berries at the end of the season to help keep spotted asparagus beetles at bay.
How to Get Rid of Asparagus Beetles Chemically
- Pyrethrin: Pyrethrin is a natural insecticide that can be used to control asparagus beetles. It is short-acting and will not harm beneficial insects.
- Malathion: Malathion is a synthetic insecticide that can be used to control asparagus beetles. It is more potent than pyrethrin, but it can also harm beneficial insects.
- Permethrin: Permethrin is a synthetic insecticide that can be used to control asparagus beetles. It has a longer duration than pyrethrin and malathion, and it will kill most insects that contact it.
Tips for Preventing Asparagus Beetles
- Keep your garden clean and free of debris.
- Plant asparagus in a sunny location with well-drained soil.
- Water asparagus plants regularly, especially during hot, dry weather.
- Fertilize asparagus plants according to the directions on the fertilizer package.
- Rotate asparagus plants every few years to help prevent the buildup of pests and diseases.
Conclusion
Asparagus beetles can be a nuisance, but they can be controlled with a variety of organic and chemical methods. By following the tips in this article, you can keep your asparagus plants healthy and productive.
