Cabbage stem flea beetle

Psylliodes chrysocephala

Overview:

Psylliodes chrysocephala, or the Cabbage Stem Flea Beetle, is a significant pest affecting cruciferous crops, including cabbage, broccoli, and mustard. Belonging to the Chrysomelidae family, this beetle is known for its feeding habits that can cause severe damage to young plant tissues.

Detailed Appearance:

Adult Cabbage Stem Flea Beetles are small, typically measuring around 2 to 4 millimeters (0.08 to 0.16 inches) in length. They have an elongated and narrow body with a metallic blue-black coloration. The larvae are legless, C-shaped grubs, usually yellowish-white in color, with a darker head capsule.

Life Cycle:

The life cycle of Psylliodes chrysocephala involves four stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. Adult beetles emerge in early spring and feed on young plants. After mating, females lay eggs in the soil near host plants. Larvae hatch and feed on plant roots, causing damage. Pupation occurs in the soil, and adult beetles emerge to continue the cycle.

Identifying Infected Crops:

  1. Feeding Damage: Look for characteristic feeding damage, which appears as small, irregular holes on the leaves of young plants, caused by adult beetles.

  2. Stem Damage: Cabbage Stem Flea Beetles are known for their feeding on the stem tissues, creating small, elongated scars and grooves on the stems of young plants.

  3. Seedling Impact: Seedlings and young plants are particularly vulnerable to Cabbage Stem Flea Beetle damage, leading to stunted growth and potential yield loss.

  4. Adult Beetle Presence: Monitor for the presence of adult beetles, especially during the early stages of plant development, using visual inspections or yellow sticky traps.

Additional Identification Features:

  1. Jumping Behavior: Adult beetles exhibit a distinctive jumping behavior when disturbed, similar to other flea beetles.

  2. Metallic Coloration: The shiny, metallic blue-black color of the adult beetles distinguishes them from other pests.

Management: 13. Row Covers: Use row covers to physically protect young plants from adult beetles, preventing direct feeding and egg-laying.

  1. Neonicotinoid Insecticides: Application of neonicotinoid insecticides may be effective in controlling Cabbage Stem Flea Beetles. Follow recommended guidelines and consider environmental impact.

  2. Crop Rotation: Rotate crops to disrupt the life cycle of Cabbage Stem Flea Beetles. Avoid planting cruciferous crops in the same location in consecutive seasons.

  3. Trap Crops: Plant trap crops, such as mustard, to attract and concentrate Cabbage Stem Flea Beetles, making it easier to manage their populations.