Non-toxic, Physical Flea Beetle Controls

Published Jan 4, 2011

Abstract

Flea beetles are frequent eggplant pests that adversely affect yields and fruit quality. This trial tested two non-toxic physical controls, kaolin clay1 (Surround WP) and row covers, applied from transplant to flowering, for their effectiveness in controlling flea beetle populations and subsequent damage. This first year’s results show potential for both treatments, but more research needs to be done to say with more confidence that either measure is a viable flea beetle control option.