Timing of Brassica planting to reduce flea beetle damage.

Project Overview

FNE00-315
Project Type: Farmer
Funds awarded in 2000: $4,697.00
Projected End Date: 12/31/2000
Matching Non-Federal Funds: $3,200.00
Region: Northeast
State: Connecticut
Project Leader:

Commodities

  • Vegetables: broccoli, cabbages, greens (leafy), rutabagas, brussel sprouts

Practices

  • Education and Training: on-farm/ranch research
  • Pest Management: cultural control, weather monitoring

    Proposal summary:

    Flea beetles are damaging to Brassica crops such as broccoli, arugula, turnips, kale, and cabbages. This project will study the cycle of the flea beetle and measure its presence in the garden over the course of a summer by using sticky traps and by evaluating crop damage. Variables such as degree days, planting dates, and flea beetle populations will yield more information on infestation dates and the proper time to plant. To the extent that infestation is a function of accumulated degree days, it may be possible to transfer this information to other farms.
    Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the view of the U.S. Department of Agriculture or SARE.