As temperatures warm up, flea beetles are emerging and on the move. Feeding damage is evident in early emerged canola. Peak emergence from overwintering sites occurs once soil temperatures reaches 150 C (60 0 F). Depending on temperatures, flea beetles can take up to 3 weeks for all adults to emerge. Adults emerge overwinter in shelterbelts, fencerows, leaf litter and…
flea beetles

by Brian Hall The summer emergence of flea beetles is upon us. In July larvae emerge from the soil and begin to feed on canola pods and leaves. Feeding during pod development can cause premature pod ripening, shrivelled seeds, pod shatter and allow fungal growth during wet weather. In most cases, although the damage can be unnerving, the actual yield…
It was a busy weekend for pest activity. Flea beetles in canola continue to be a problem in some areas of the province, particularly Owen Sound, New Liskeard and Meaford. This hot weather is ideal for them to get ahead of the crop. Scout frequently to determine if thresholds have been reached. The Ontario Canola Growers’ blog has photos…