Description:

• Bronze field beetle larvae are 10-15 mm long.
• Larvae are cylindrical, have a segmented body.
• The tail has two prongues turned upward.
• The body colour is bronze, metalic or shiny.
• They are fast moving burrowing in the dirt when disturbed.

Damage:

Bronze field bettles attack many seedling but more specially brassica crops. They feed on the new growth as soon as the seed bursts and germinates. Affected crop may have large area with little or no seedlings surviving. Slow growing crops are likely to suffer more damage in low soil temperature. In severe infestation a ring bark effect on the tap root can still occur at the young rosette stage eventually causing death leaving scattered dead plants.

Management:

• Cultivated fields are less likely to suffer damage.
• Thoroughly check for other pests.
• Leave no "stone" unturned.
• Watch out for red legged earth mites.
• Watch out for Brown pasture looper
• Bare earth preventive treatment is available at low cost.

CMS P/L will provide further technical support for you to reap the benefits of a well managed crop.