Flea Beetles in Minnesota?

Bill Hutchison, Extension Entomologist, University of Minnesota

Flea beetles are always here, with a variety of species to choose from, including the potato flea beetle, beetles that attack radish, and the corn flea beetle. The primary concern with the corn flea beetle is that is transmits Stewart's wilt, which can significantly reduce yields in susceptible hybrids. In most years, our cold winters greatly minimize the chance of Stewart wilt infection throughout the state. If the cumulative average temps. for Dec., Jan. and Feb., for your area exceed 90F, then you run a moderate to severe risk of damage by flea beetle; sweet corn should be scouted carefully for flea beetle in the early growth stages (up to V5). Treatment with foliar insecticide may be warranted in these areas (see also the 2000 Midwest Veg. Guide). Another option is to plant resistant varieties to minimize risk of wilt (e.g., Comet, Gold Cup, Incredible, Sweet Sue, Seneca Sentry, Miracle, How Sweet It Is). For Southern Minn., the cumulative average was 66°F (24 for Dec: 15 for Jan: 27 for Feb.) indicating only a trace to low risk.

For recent information as it relates to sweet corn, please see the recent Illinois IPM Newsletter article, by Rick Weinzierl, at: http://www.aces.uiuc.edu/~ipm/news/frveg0003.html#Vegetable Production and Pest Management

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For more pictures of flea beetles and Stewart’s wilt check out the following address:
http://www.ipm.iastate.edu/ipm/icm/1999/4-5-1999/stewart1999.html

Co-Editors:Bill Hutchison, Department of Entomology, University of Minnesota, hutch002@tc.umn.edu
Jeanne Ciborowski, IPM Program, Minnesota Department of Agriculture, jeanne.ciborowski@state.mn.us
Cindy Tong, Department of Horticulture, University of Minnesota, ctong@extension.umn.edu
Production Editor: Suzanne Wold, Research Specialist, University of Minnesota, woldx018@tc.umn.edu

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Last Revised May 18, 2000.
The University, including the Minnesota Extension Service, is an equal opportunity educator and employer.©1999 Minnesota Extension Service, University of Minnesota. All rights reserved. Contact copyright@extension.umn.edu for information on reproduction or use of this material.