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Produce => Pests & Diseases => Topic started by: Suzanne on May 11, 2008, 14:36:34

Title: Asparagus beetles
Post by: Suzanne on May 11, 2008, 14:36:34
I am not sure what these look like as i don't have any pictures - but found brightly coloured beetles on my new asparagus spears - each was red/black with six white patches on wing cases and looked slightly like a weevil. As there were only three of them I squished them - only to find my conscience pricking that I may be killing something useful.

Anybody any idea whether these were asaparagus beetle - or whether I am doomed to be remembered as the woman who whiped out the last three members of the six spotted weevil?

Thanks for any help.
Title: Re: Asparagus beetles
Post by: ceres on May 11, 2008, 14:55:37
Sounds like asparagus beetle.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asparagus_beetle (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asparagus_beetle)
Title: Re: Asparagus beetles
Post by: cambourne7 on May 11, 2008, 18:54:39
I have them as well, what can i do other then squish them?
Would Derris work?
Title: Re: Asparagus beetles
Post by: Tee Gee on May 11, 2008, 19:44:25
There is a bit of info here; http://tinyurl.com/2swupr click on the pictures to enlarge them.
Title: Re: Asparagus beetles
Post by: Suzanne on May 12, 2008, 18:48:48
Yep thats them TeeGee. Squished a few more today.
Title: Re: Asparagus beetles
Post by: Baccy Man on May 12, 2008, 19:43:34
Quote from: cambourne7 on May 11, 2008, 18:54:39
I have them as well, what can i do other then squish them?
Would Derris work?
Yes derris works but you will need a new method to deal with them next year as derris is being withdrawn in september under EU regs.
Title: Re: Asparagus beetles
Post by: delboy on May 13, 2008, 00:41:25
OK. No derris from next year. How else do we zap 'em?

My crop is being ravaged as we speak, and derris dusting isn't fully controlling the beetles.

Even found them on the newly sown garlic in my greenhouse.