Larger loopers can be more difficult to control. Cabbage loopers are whitish green, up to 1.5 inches long, with white stripes running lengthwise. See Extension Bulletin E-968 for photographs of these pests. Asparagus beetle Large numbers of asparagus beetles have been reported in Oceana County, feeding on asparagus fern. Treatment is recommended if the fern is defoliated 10 percent or more, or when 50 to 75 percent of the plants have larvae.
New plantings can tolerate less foliar injury than established plantings.
Asparagus flowers are especially attractive to bees, and care must be taken when applying insecticides to asparagus when in bloom. Avoid the use of dust formulations when bees are in the field. Vegetable disease update Mary Hausbeck Botany and Plant Pathology Phytophthora on vine crops continues to be a concern for a number of growers in the state. Acrobat MZ may be helpful to some growers, especially if there is resistance of the Phytophthora to Ridomil. Powdery mildew on vine crops is now statewide.