Is this a Fire Bug?

TorontoJoe

TorontoJoe

Administrator
I don’t think I ever saw one of these before last year and this year I’m seeing them almost every day.

Just trying to figure out if I need to protect the crops from these things

IMG_0699.jpeg

They kind of look like a Polynesian mask
 
I’ve been pest free up until a few weeks ago.

After pruning cucumbers and once I got inside, I had two bugs stuck in my beard. I thought they were just a lighter colored lady bug and gently removed them and placed them back on the cucumber leaves. Turns out, they were spotted cucumber beetles and now I’m getting some disease on the plants. I am planning on pulling them next week for carrot and beet planting. I’m curious to see if I have any root damage from RKN on the cucumbers and if the beets and carrots will produce.
 
bushdoctor82 said:
I’ve been pest free up until a few weeks ago.

After pruning cucumbers and once I got inside, I had two bugs stuck in my beard. I thought they were just a lighter colored lady bug and gently removed them and placed them back on the cucumber leaves. Turns out, they were spotted cucumber beetles and now I’m getting some disease on the plants. I am planning on pulling them next week for carrot and beet planting. I’m curious to see if I have any root damage from RKN on the cucumbers and if the beets and carrots will produce.
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The cucumber beetles are brutal here. The only cucumber that I’ve been able to plant anymore is beit alpha. Since getting home, I’ve still spotted two of the Beatles. I can’t figure out what other nearby plants might be drawing them in.
 
TorontoJoe said:
The cucumber beetles are brutal here. The only cucumber that I’ve been able to plant anymore is beit alpha. Since getting home, I’ve still spotted two of the Beatles. I can’t figure out what other nearby plants might be drawing them in.
Click to expand...
I’m growing straight eights and they have been producing heavy and are a great tasting cucumber.

From what I’ve read, the mere act of pruning cucumbers releases a scent that draws the beetles in. There are various masking sprays, peppermint oil being one, that can mask the scent enough where the beetle won’t attack.
 
bushdoctor82 said:
I’m growing straight eights and they have been producing heavy and are a great tasting cucumber.

From what I’ve read, the mere act of pruning cucumbers releases a scent that draws the beetles in. There are various masking sprays, peppermint oil being one, that can mask the scent enough where the beetle won’t attack.
Click to expand...

I've been growing the beit because they apparently don't produce the cucurbitacin.. or at least in much lower levels so don't attract the beetle. Last year I didn't lose any plants to wilt. Unfortunately it means I can't grow zucchini or other plants that make cucurbitacin
 
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