Question about trap crops and Harlequin bugs

14 years ago

This spring my brocholi and most radishes were destroyed by harlequin bugs. I'm planning my fall garden and definately need the broc to survive. My lot is small, but if I plant radishes along the perimeter, will that keep the bugs occupied or serve as an invitation to come on in?

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Comments (5)

petzold6596
14 years ago
Google 'Harlequin bug' and select the U of FL link for a very short but complete discuss of this pest including life cycle and management.
Kimmsr
14 years ago
Harlequin bugs are members of a larger insect family that includes some beneficial insects. I am not sure that there would be any "trap" crops for these buggers but companion planting can help by providing a food source for the predators of these buggers, and sometimes by disguising the plants they want to get to so they do not find them.
A diligent search for eggs on the host plants can help keep them under control, Insecticidal Soaps may be of some help in control, Neem products may also be some help in control, but due care in use is necessary as it would be if pyrethrins were to be used.
For next year start by looking closely at you soil and start to make that soil into a good, healthy soil that wil lgrow strong and healthy plants that are less attractive to insect pests and plan on other steps, such as using Floating Row Covers, that can help keep these wee buggers away form the plants.

Here is a link that might be useful: About Harlequin bugs
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I like the way you think, cousinfloyd! There is some info out there on using trap crops for curculio. Follow the links for some great recommendations. The idea, which is brilliant, is to push the insects away from your good trees with surround, then pull the insects to the trap tree(s) where you wage an organic pesticide battle with them there. Here is a link that might be useful: Organic management of plum curculio
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I've never heard of this organic insecticide, but it's recommended for control of harlequin and stink bugs: Sabadilla is an insecticide produced by grinding the seeds of the sabadilla plant, Schoenocaulon officinale. For several years sabadilla products were not available in the U.S. However, they are now sold by several mail-order suppliers, and garden centers have begun to carry sabadilla products as well. Sabadilla is both a contact and stomach poison and has shown greatest promise against several of the "true bugs," such as squash bug, chinch bug, harlequin bug and stink bugs. It has proven effectiveness against leaf-feeding caterpillars, Mexican bean beetles and thrips. Use of sabadilla on certain vegetables, including squash, cucumbers, melons, beans, turnips, mustard, collards, cabbage, peanuts and potatoes, is permitted by the EPA.. The ground seeds of sabadilla sold for garden use are considered among the least toxic of the various botanicals. However, sabadilla dusts can be highly irritating to the respiratory tract, often provoking a violent sneezing reaction if inhaled. Be sure to wear a dust mask when applying it and, as with all pesticides, follow precautions listed on the product labels. In addition, several of the alkaloids in sabadilla can cause rapid depression of blood pressure in mammals. Has anyone heard of anything further, positive or negative, about it?
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I harvested the whole plant leaving a close cropped rosette. I had it for dinner. I chopped it up in noodles with garlic and parmesan. Not very oriental but very YUMMY. I hope the rosette grows from the center. I need to spray it tomorrow.
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planatus
14 years ago
The appearance of the harlequins in early summer means it's time for me to bring in what's left of the spring brassicas. Then I keep the garden brassica-free for a couple of weeks before setting out fall seedings under row covers. Populations never have a chance to build up. Fall cabbage family seedlings have so many insect enemies that row covers are essential. I use wedding net (tulle) until the grasshoppers chew holes in it.
dimiessler
13 years ago
I've found it's easy to knock the adults off the plants when they first appear - I then step on them, hoping this will encourage diseases that will decrease the population. I also toss diotomaceous earth on affected plants. Not sure how effective this is - anyone else tried DT?
rhizo_1 (North AL) zone 7
13 years ago
Unless you mean DE for diatomaceous earth, you'll have to explain what DT means, dimi.

Assuming that you do mean DE, it's not something I ever recommend for general, indiscriminate outdoor use. It is SUCH a broad spectrum 'cide' and is capable of doing great harm to the beneficial population. It can also be long lasting in the garden.

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Question about trap crops and Harlequin bugs

Comments (5)

petzold6596

Kimmsr

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planatus

dimiessler

rhizo_1 (North AL) zone 7

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