The Pygmy mangold beetle is a small (dark) brown beetle measuring + 1.2 mm.
Also known as:
Pygmy beetle
Pygmy mangold beetle (Atomaria linearis). The Pygmy mangold beetle is a small, (dark) brown beetle measuring + 1.2 mm – hard to see. The beetles drill holes in the underground parts of seedlings. The drill holes form dark spots on the root. Plants grow too slowly and the plants will not survive a serious infestation..
The beetles overwinter in plant remains in the soil. Pygmy mangold beetles are mostly found on heavier soils. In the spring, the beetles go in search of (sugar) beets. In cold and damp months in spring, the damage is greatest: the beetles stay underground longer.
Beets and spinach are the host plants of the pygmy mangold beetle.
Where to find
- Beetroot
- Beet (Beta vulgaris)
- Fodder beet
- Spinach
Control
Difficult to to control; once infested, recovery is not possible.
Prevention
Crop rotation reduces a possible population of the beetles. For crop rotation, place a new bed of beets as far away from the original spot as possible. The farther the distance the harder it is for the beetles to reach it.
Clean up plant remains after harvest as much as possible.
