As we resume our scouting at the West Madison Research Station, we only noticed one instance of damage caused by the feeding of a flea beetle adult,  though we have received reports that grape growers have seen several flea beetles feeding on grape buds. It is important to continue scouting until buds have reached ½ inch shoot growth when the leaves are starting to expand. At that time, the flea beetle feeding will no longer cause damage to the developing bud. Continue to monitor during the day, looking for the shiny adults feeding on buds, especially near wooded field margins. If you record 2-4% damage to the buds, it is recommended to apply an insecticide, such as Baythroid, Danitol, Sevin, Imidan, Renounce, or Scorpion in conventional production and Pyganic in organic production. For more chemical control recommendations, please refer to the Midwest Spray Guide. The label is the law, please follow the label! For more information, please refer to this previous article.

Thank you to Andi Nelson

Happy growing season!

This article was posted in Grapes, Insects and tagged Christelle Guédot, flea beetle, Grape Flea Beetle, Grapes, insects.