FLEA BEETLE
FLEA BEETLE
Identification & Incidence: Tiny black insects less than an 1/8 inch long that feed on newly emerging corn plants. Flea beetle (FB) activity is indicated by "windowpane" feeding on the leaves. The corn flea beetle is a vector of Stewart's wilt. They are normally more of a problem following a mild winter.
Sampling: Check 20 plants in 5 places for FB on newly emerging corn plants. Record percent of plants with feeding, severity of feeding and whether or not beetles are present. Economic Threshold: Treatment is warranted if 3% of more of the plants are wilting/dying. Flea beetle control can be accomplished by either foliar sprays or seed treatments at planting time. Management Options: See chart for insecticides labeled for FB.