In fact, sowing Nappa cabbage or gai choy seed as a trap crop in cabbage, broccoli and cauliflower is partially effective. In Ontario, you can obtain seed of the 'Chinese Southern Giant Mustard' from Richters Seed Co . Other seed companies may also carry this mustard as part of their mustard greens or mesclun mixes. Flea beetles overwinter and reproduce in the soil, so healthy soil enriched with organic matter and beneficial organisms may also reduce flea beetle problems. In small areas, row covers may also be used to keep flea beetles off young cole crop seedlings.
Crop rotation is also helpful in reducing the buildup of flea beetle populations.
Many commercial growers have eliminated insecticide sprays for flea beetles on commercial crops of cabbage, cauliflower and broccoli by utilizing this novel crop management technique. This information is provided as a public service, but we cannot guarantee that the information is current or accurate. Readers should verify the information before acting on it.