Common asparagus beetle adults live through the winter in sheltered places such as under loose tree bark or in the hollow stems of old asparagus plants. Adults appear in gardens just as the asparagus spears are coming out of the soil in spring.
What can I spray on asparagus for bugs?
Asparagus growers have several choices of herbicides for control of emerged weeds. The synthetic auxin herbicides 2,4-D (Formula 40, Embed Extra) and dicamba (Clarity) are effective against many broadleaf annuals and perennials. They also can injure asparagus plants if there is too much contact with spears or fern.
What are the 2 beetle pests of asparagus?
There are two beetle pests of asparagus, the common asparagus beetle and the spotted asparagus beetle. Distinguishing between the two species is important because while both beetles can damage the emerging spears, the common asparagus beetle larvae and adults can also devour the ferns.
What are the little black things on my asparagus?
Twelve-Spotted Asparagus Beetle
The beetles have black antennae and orange legs that have black coloration around the joints. The adults are approximately ¼ of an inch long. These adults emerge in mid-May and can be observed through the fall.
Is asparagus a parasite?
The parasitic wasp, Tetrastichus coeruleus, occurring mainly in the United States and Europe, can cause up to 71% mortality in the field and has been successfully used for biological control.
| Common asparagus beetle | |
|---|---|
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Order: | Coleoptera |
| Family: | Chrysomelidae |
Does Sevin control asparagus beetles?
If all else fails, products containing the botanical insecticide pyrethrin, or the chemical insecticide carbaryl (Sevin) are effective against asparagus beetles.
What keeps asparagus beetles away?
Birds will pick both adults and larvae from plants and the ground. Make sure your yard is pesticide free and offers an environment that encourages birds to visit. For bad infestations, introduce beneficial nematodes to your patch. These microscopic soil organisms will destroy asparagus beetle pupae right in the ground.
Do marigolds repel asparagus beetles?
Calendula, or pot marigold, repels asparagus beetle, nematodes, and tomato hornworm. 2 It also attracts beneficial insects, so this edible flower is useful throughout your garden.
How do asparagus beetles overwinter?
Asparagus beetles overwinter as adults in hollow asparagus stems, under weeds or other plant debris, or under loose tree bark. Temperatures determine beetle emergence every year; adults begin feeding on spears as soon as they break through the soil surface in early spring.
What damage do asparagus beetles do?
It feeds on the stems and foliage. Extensive defoliation can weaken the plants and result in a poor crop in the following spring.
Are asparagus beetles harmful?
Management. Although they are found wherever asparagus is grown, asparagus beetles are not normally serious pests in California.
What are the worms on my asparagus?
Asparagus beetle larvae – These larvae are soft-bodied, plump, humpbacked, wrinkled, and sluggish. They grow to about 9 mm long and have three pairs of legs near the head and fleshy prolegs on most abdominal segments. They secrete a black fluid which stains the plant.
When should I uncover my asparagus bed?
Asparagus spears will be ready for harvest shortly after the soil temperature reaches 50°F (10°C) in early spring—that’s when spears will begin to emerge. Two weeks before spears begin breaking through the soil, pull the winter mulch back and cultivate the asparagus patch lightly loosening the soil and uprooting weeds.
How do you get rid of asparagus?
Spray the asparagus fern with a glyphosate-based systemic herbicide such as Roundup. This method is ideal for large fern populations. Mist all of the asparagus fern’s fronds with the herbicide. For best results, spray during a dry period.
What animal eats asparagus roots?
Squirrels, rabbits, and groundhogs will eat an asparagus plant.
What’s the best fertilizer for asparagus?
Asparagus can be fertilized in early spring before the spears emerge. An application of 1 to 1.5 pounds of an all-purpose garden fertilizer, such as 10-10-10, per 100 square feet should be adequate. Asparagus can also be fertilized after the last harvest in June. Using a nitrogen fertilizer, apply .
Is Miracle Grow good for asparagus?
If you are looking for an all-around great option for asparagus then I recommend the Miracle-Gro All Purpose Plant Food. This is one of the Best Asparagus Fertilizers EVER! This fertilizer instantly feeds providing bigger, better asparagus. You can apply it every two weeks with a garden feeder.
Can I spray Roundup on asparagus?
Glyphosate (Roundup) may also be used as a postharvest treatment when all remaining spears have been removed (clean cut). It is useful in controlling emerged annual and perennial weeds; use higher rates of application to control perennials. Direct contact of the spray with asparagus fern can cause serious injury.
How do you treat asparagus beetles?
You can manage common asparagus beetles by handpicking them and dropping them in a pail of soapy water. If you find a lot of asparagus beetles in your garden you may want to use a pesticide.
Can you spray Sevin on asparagus?
Answer: Yes, Sevin Concentrate is labeled for use on asparagus.
How effective is neem oil?
Neem oil kills a wide variety of insects, including aphids, mealybugs, whiteflies, Japanese beetles, leafhoppers, thrips, fungus gnats, and other garden pests like spider mites and nematodes. Neem oil can also kill fungal diseases like powdery mildew, black spot, scab, anthracnose, and leaf spot.
Lorraine Wade is all about natural food. She loves to cook and bake, and she’s always experimenting with new recipes. Her friends and family are the lucky beneficiaries of her culinary skills! Lorraine also enjoys hiking and exploring nature. She’s a friendly person who loves to chat with others, and she’s always looking for ways to help out in her community.