Kale is being eaten by what? - Ask Extension
My kale grown from seed is now at 4 " in height. It is covered in tiny black beetles. They have eaten the leaves down to the veins in a week. ...
Knowledgebase
Kale is being eaten by what? #878514
Asked July 23, 2024, 11:45 PM EDT
My kale grown from seed is now at 4 " in height. It is covered in tiny black beetles. They have eaten the leaves down to the veins in a week. What kind of beetles are they and if I try to grow another crop of kale how can I protect them?
Benton County Oregon
Expert Response
Thank you Marci for your question to "Ask Extension". Even without a photo, your description leads me to think that they are flea beetles. They are very common in our area right now with many questions coming in.
Use row covers or other screening to keep beetles out when the seedlings are growing.
There are many insecticides labeled for treating flea beetles. Be sure that kale is listed on the label of the pesticide you intend to use. Also, be sure to observe the number of days between pesticide application and when you can harvest your crop.
Below are names of active ingredients that are commonly available in insecticides sold in stores that sell garden pesticides:
If you decide to try a new planting I would suggest using row covers to keep beetles out when the seedlings are growing. I have attached a link to a publication that discusses row covers if you are unfamiliar with them. It mentions the use of soil to hold the row covers in place but any heavy article can be used. I personally use T-posts.
https://s3.wp.wsu.edu/uploads/sites/2071/2014/04/Install-a-Floating-Row-Cover-FS089E.pdf
I hope that you find this information useful and as always Happy Gardening.
Use row covers or other screening to keep beetles out when the seedlings are growing.
There are many insecticides labeled for treating flea beetles. Be sure that kale is listed on the label of the pesticide you intend to use. Also, be sure to observe the number of days between pesticide application and when you can harvest your crop.
Below are names of active ingredients that are commonly available in insecticides sold in stores that sell garden pesticides:
- pyrethrins/pyrethrum
- carbaryl
- malathion
- spinosad
- permethrin
- lambda cyhalothrin
- cyfluthrin
If you decide to try a new planting I would suggest using row covers to keep beetles out when the seedlings are growing. I have attached a link to a publication that discusses row covers if you are unfamiliar with them. It mentions the use of soil to hold the row covers in place but any heavy article can be used. I personally use T-posts.
https://s3.wp.wsu.edu/uploads/sites/2071/2014/04/Install-a-Floating-Row-Cover-FS089E.pdf
I hope that you find this information useful and as always Happy Gardening.
