| Asparagus BeetlesThere are two species of beetles that attack and cause economic damage to asparagus in New York. They are the common asparagus beetle, Crioceris asparagi (Linnaeus), and the spotted asparagus beetle, Crioceris duodecimpunctata (Linnaeus). The common asparagus beetle is the more widespread of the two species. Common Asparagus Beetles
Injury: Both the larvae and the adults of the common asparagus beetle damage the asparagus plants. The overwintered adults emerge and begin to feed on the tender growing tips of newly sprouted asparagus. They eat out holes and cause a brownish discoloration of the tissue. The grubs will feed on the tender young tips and on foliage. The plant growth is seriously reduced and proper root development prevented causing a decrease in the size and quality of the crop. Description: The common asparagus beetle is 1/4 inch in length, has a bluish black head, legs and antennae tinged with green, reddish thorax and the wing covers are marked by yellowish patches and reddish borders. The larva or grub of this beetle is dark gray to olive green with black legs and head. Life History: Adult beetles overwinter in sheltered places such as piles of rubbish and heaps of old asparagus tops. They emerge from their shelter when the new shoots come up and oval, and deposited either singly or in rows of two to eight. Later in the season the eggs are laid on leaves and flower stems. The eggs hatch in 3 to 8 days and the grubs begin feeding on the tender tips. When the grubs mature, they drop to the ground and construct a small earthen cell where they transform into pale yellowish pupae. The adult beetles emerge from the pupae. There may be two or more generations a year depending on the climate. Spotted Asparagus Beetle Spotted Asparagus Beetle Adult Injury: This beetle is most injurious in the early season when the adults attack the growing tips and sometimes eat the buds of newly sprouted asparagus. The beetles also feed on foliage eating out irregular areas. The larvae cause little damage because they feed inside the berries. Description: The spotted asparagus beetle is slightly larger and more robust than the common asparagus beetle. The adults are reddish-orange in color with black antennae, eyes, and underside of thorax. Each wing cover has six distinct black spots. Life History: The adult beetles overwinter in piles of debris. They leave their winter quarters about one week later than the common asparagus beetles and begin to feed on the tender young shoots. They do not deposit eggs until the plant begins to blossom, about three weeks after they’ve emerged. The egg is deposited singly on plants, usually those bearing fruit. The egg is 1/25 inch in length, olive brown, and attached to the leaf by one side. The grubs hatch in 7 to 12 days and are yellowish-orange in color with a black head and legs. The larva finds a berry and enters it at the blossom end. Inside the berry it feeds on the seeds and it may attack 3 or 4 berries before it is mature. When fully grown, it drops to the ground by a silken thread and spins a cocoon just under the soil surface. In New York State a second brood usually occurs in July. Management: Clean up dead asparagus stalks over the winter. Hand pick beetles in small plantings. Cutting the shoots very clean and just below ground level every day or two during the cutting season will tend to remove the eggs of the common asparagus beetle before the larvae can establish themselves in a home garden patch. In small gardens gathering and destroying of the asparagus berries will help to give control of the spotted asparagus beetle. If needed, the insecticide carbaryl (Sevin), malathion, or rotenone may be used for control. Apply the insecticide when the beetles first appear. Apply one to three times but do not repeat applications within 3 days. Do not harvest until one day after treatment. Be sure to check the number of days you have to wait to harvest (=Days to Harvest) before applying any pesticide to edible crops.
This publication contains pesticide recommendations. Changes in pesticide regulations occur constantly and human errors are still possible. Some materials mentioned may no longer be available and some uses may no longer be legal. All pesticides distributed, sold or applied in New York State must be registered with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). Questions concerning the legality and/or registration status for pesticide use in New York State should be directed to the appropriate Cornell Cooperative Extension Specialist or your regional DEC office. READ THE LABEL BEFORE APPLYING ANY PESTICIDE. |
