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Produce => Edible Plants => Topic started by: miniroots on June 13, 2007, 07:30:35

Title: Tiny little black beetles on PSB
Post by: miniroots on June 13, 2007, 07:30:35
Oh no!

I've just transplanting my PSB seedlings and they seem to be settling in okay - but then I noticed that there are little beetles - about 2 - 3mm long, black with a petrol sheen - on them.

They are nibbling the edges of the leaves and they move too quickly when you try to squish them.

I go on holiday tomorrow - should I spray with something non-organic for speed - or is there an organic alternative?

Mini
Title: Re: Tiny little black beetles on PSB
Post by: saddad on June 13, 2007, 07:59:00
Flea beetles? Fond of Brassica seedlings and esp rocket... worse in hot dry weather... keep watered, tricky as you are going away, or derris. I don't use it myself.
::)
Title: Re: Tiny little black beetles on PSB
Post by: SueSteve on June 13, 2007, 16:22:59
I have them too, they appear to jump.
I have sprayed them with Rhubarb water to see if that does any good.
But my main problem is the birds, they are taking the tops straight off.
Time to get the netting sorted me thinks!
Title: Re: Tiny little black beetles on PSB
Post by: cleo on June 13, 2007, 16:27:15
It seems a bit early other wise I would have suggested they are rape beetles
Title: Re: Tiny little black beetles on PSB
Post by: OliveOil on June 13, 2007, 18:15:46
I would say flea beetle too  - i had them last year. Tip is to cover a piece of card in grease then hold the card grease side down and tap the plants. they will jump and get stuck on the card.
Title: Re: Tiny little black beetles on PSB
Post by: SueSteve on June 13, 2007, 20:23:12
Thanks Oliveoil.