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Asparagus Beetles (Crioceris asparagi) can significantly reduce Asparagus plant yields. Adult beetles overwinter in leaf litter and vegetation then emerge to fly across plants. There are normally 2-3 generations a year from May to September. Adult beetles are active in May when females can lay 80-90 eggs each. When temperatures are over 14℃ the eggs will hatch into larvae, which are a grey to white colour. The larvae are active for 10-15 days, before they fall off the Asparagus plants to pupate in the soil.
Both the adult and the larval stage of the Asparagus Beetle feed on Asparagus stems and foliage. When infested, foliage will dry up and turn brown. In severe cases, plants may defoliate. The larvae and adult beetles also excrete a black fluid onto the Asparagus spears, which contaminates them. Asparagus Beetle infestation can result in a poor harvest the following season.
As soon as Asparagus Beetles, or larvae, have been observed, hand pick them off the plants. Remember to move vegetation in winter that adult beetles could overwinter in. To control the pest, apply our Asparagus Beetle Killer Nematodes directly onto the Asparagus Beetle larvae when they are present on the plants. The nematodes will enter the larvae on contact and kill them from inside, protecting your crop naturally. Nematode applications are made easier and more accurate when applied with our Nema Super Sprayer.
