Blister beetles. Picture courtesy Ok-State Dept of Entomology by way of KSRE”/>Blister beetles. Picture courtesy Ok-State Dept of Entomology by way of KSRE
By JESSICA JENSEN
Ok-State Analysis and Extension Information Service
MANHATTAN — A pest with a humorous identify is infamous for rapidly stripping greens — particularly tomatoes — and ornamentals of their foliage, mentioned Kansas State College horticulture skilled Ward Upham.
He mentioned there are a number of species of blister beetles that modify in dimension and colour. They’re typically between ½ to ¾ inch lengthy and black, grey or brown striped.
“Most are acknowledged by their elongated, slim, cylindrical, tender our bodies with center physique half narrower than the top of wing covers,” Upham mentioned.
Upham mentioned selecting blister beetles is the perfect nonchemical management methodology.
“Put on gloves and use warning as a result of these beetles include a substance referred to as cantharidin,” he mentioned. “On tender human pores and skin, physique fluids of grownup blister beetles might trigger giant, erect, watery blisters.”
“Chemical management of blister beetles can be doable and would be the solely sensible methodology of management if populations are giant,” Upham mentioned.
He recommends two sorts of chemical management:
●Permethrin (Bonide Eight and Hello-Yield Garden, Backyard and Farm Insect Management)
●Cyfluthrin (BioAdvanced Vegetable and Backyard Insect Spray)
“Cyfluthrin and permethrin have zero day ready interval on tomatoes,” Upham mentioned.
Upham and his colleagues in Ok-State’s Division of Horticulture and Pure Assets produce a weekly Horticulture E-newsletter with tips for sustaining dwelling landscapes. The e-newsletter is accessible to view on-line or might be delivered by e-mail every week.
individuals may ship their garden- and yard-related inquiries to Upham at [email protected], or contact your native Ok-State Analysis and Extension workplace.
