3 (1 = rare 5 = annual)

4 (1 = very little damage 5 = plants killed)

Asparagus

Vegetable

• Asparagus (Asparagus officinalis L. var. altilis)

Asparagus beetle adults are about 1/4 inch long, oval in shape, brightly colored in blue and brown, with cream-colored elongate spots on the back. Spotted asparagus beetle is orange with many small black dots on the back. Asparagus beetles lay clusters of yellow eggs on the asparagus spears and ferns; spotted asparagus beetles lay similar eggs only on the ferns. The larvae of both species are soft-bodied, elongate, and about 1/4 inch long when full grown. Asparagus beetle larvae are gray; spotted asparagus beetle larvae are cream colored.

The adults chew notches in the spears, reducing their market value. Asparagus beetle eggs on the spears also reduce their market value. Both the larvae and adults of the asparagus beetle feed on the ferns. Severe fern damage can reduce spear production the following year.

Asparagus beetle overwinters as adults. The adults begin feeding immediately after emergence in spring. Egg laying begins one week after emergence. The eggs are laid in rows of 3 to 8 eggs on spears. Larval feeding lasts for about two weeks. The larvae feeds on spears. Mature larvae move to the ground and burrow in the soil where it pupates.

Spotted asparagus beetle larvae live and feed within the developing asparagus berries. The use of male-only varieties eliminates this beetle as a pest. Treat spears during the harvest season if infestations of either species exceed five to ten adults per 100 crowns, or if eggs are present on more than 2 percent of the spears. Treat ferns postharvest if infestations exceed five to ten adults per ten crowns.

Home, Yard & Garden Pest Guide
The Home, Yard & Garden Pest Guide (C1391) provides is written for homeowners and other residents and provides nonchemical and current chemical recommendations for controlling pests associated with trees, shrubs, turf, flowers, groundcovers, vegetables, fruit, and houses. In addition, you'll find detailed information about integrated pest management, pesticide safety, and pesticide application and calibration techniques. This publication may be purchased at your local University of Illinois Extension Unit office, or by calling 800-345-6087, or by placing an order online (search for "C1391").
Visit site >>

Illinois Commercial Landscape and Turfgrass Pest Management Handbook
The Illinois Commercial Landscape and Turfgrass Pest Management Handbook (ICLT) is written for professional applicators and provides nonchemical and current chemical recommendations as well as application timing information for all major pests of turf, woody ornamentals and herbaceous ornamentals. This publication may be purchased at your local University of Illinois Extension Unit office, or by calling 800-345-6087, or by placing an order online (search for "ICLT").
Visit site >>

U of IL - Distance Diagnosis through Digital Imaging
A free plant, weed, insect and disease identification service available through your local University of Illinois Extension office. Center Educators or State Specialists review & respond to information and digital images submitted by local Extension office personnel. Some samples may require further examination or culture work (nominal fee involved) at the U of IL Plant Clinic.
Visit site >>

U of IL - Plant Clinic
Services include plant and insect identification, diagnosis of disease, insect, weed and chemical injury (chemical injury on field crops only), nematode assays, and help with nutrient related problems, as well as recommendations involving these diagnoses. Microscopic examinations, laboratory culturing, virus assays, and nematode assays are some of the techniques used in the clinic.
Visit site >>