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Questions & Answers
cucumber beetles
edgarh1125@ asks:
Question
Last fall I tried to grow cucumbers. I had harvested a few cucumbers when the cucumbers were infested with cucumber beetles. I used Sesame oil to try to control them but it did not work. The infestation just got worse.They completely destroyed the plants. How can I control the cucumber beetles?
Answer
There are several things you can do to discourage cucumber beetles. First, early plowing-discing removes vegetation and discourages egg-laying. Delayed planting (more favorable germinating conditions) and heavy seeding rates ensure a good stand. Wire or cloth screen protectors shaped like cones will keep beetles off home plantings until plants get established.
A foliar insecticide applied at the cotyledon stage will retard cucumber beetle feeding and encourage plant establishment. However where insects are abundant, additional foliar applications may be needed to prevent beetles from spreading bacterial wilt and squash virus.
These methods will all help but the best defense from cucumber beetles is planting resistant varieties.
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