Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs

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Flea Beetle Control in Forage Turnips

Forage turnips, also known as stubble turnips can be used successfully as a late summer or fall grazing crop. The challenge is getting the seedling turnips established and large enough to tolerate the flea beetle leaf feeding that can occur.

Flea beetle damage will be a concern during the early growth stages of the turnips. Once the turnips have several well developed leaves, they will be able to out grow the flea beetle damage. Monitor the fields closely and be prepared to spray if the population gets very high. The OMAF Field Crop Protection Guide (publication 812) provides some information for control of flea beetles.

The best option for control of flea beetles will be with a post-emergent spray. If beetle damage exceeds 50% of the cotyledon or leaf area, and if the weather is warm and dry, a foliar applied insecticide may be needed. Products for flea beetle control include: diazinon, cypermethrin (Cymbush), and deltamethrin (Decis 5 EC).

Follow label directions and observe the "days to harvest" indicated on the label. The crop cannot be grazed for between 14 to 30 days after application, depending on the product used.