Growing Asparagus in Minnesota Pest Management Back to Table of Contents Insects Asparagus grown in Minnesota is relatively free of insect pests compared to many other vegetable crops. Adult beetles, which overwinter under debris along field edges, begin to move to asparagus as the plants first emerge in spring.
Beetles feed on the spears and glue rows of black eggs, usually on the tips.
These eggs hatch in approximately one week and the fleshy, dark gray larvae then move to the foliage on which they feed. Two or three generations are produced during the growing season in Minnesota. Its life cycle is similar to that of the asparagus beetle, differing primarily in that the larvae feed on the developing berries. When asparagus beetles and spotted asparagus beetles are present at harvest, they can cause extensive damage. The presence of eggs also renders the spears unacceptable for market.