Amaranth XVI-4

Flea Beetles

Gary L. Hein

Flea beetle adult.

Flea beetles can be a threat to amaranth during the first few weeks as the plant is getting established. Flea beetles are small insects (up to two to three millimeters) that are very active and readily jump like fleas when disturbed. They feed on succulent foliage, causing small round holes in the leaves (shot holes), which under heavy feeding can threaten seedling establishment. One key to the severity of this problem will be the synchrony between the emergence of the beetles in the spring and the emergence of the amaranth.

Adjusting planting dates may reduce damage potential in some areas. No insecticides that are effective on flea beetles are labeled for amaranth.

Categories: Amaranth, Flea beetles, Insects

Date: 04/19/2006