What's eating my Rocket & Mizzuni

[Southern Softie]

Can anyone tell me what is eating my rocket and how to control it. It is planted in a mixed salad bed and is the only thing that has been eaten. Each leaf has a series of little holes and now it's attacked my mizzuni and it looks like a sieve.

[Johnboy]

Hi SS,
Flea Beetles are the culprits. Very hard to get rid of since most treatments have been withdrawn.
I use Nicotine to get rid of them but Nicotine if not available to the general public any longer.
JB.

[Greenman]

Try sowing your rocket and mizuna again in August. I have never found flea beetles a problem except in spring and early summer. If you try Wild Rocket you will not have a problem.

[Stephen]

I have the same problem. Thank goodness it doesn't affect the tase, even if it does make it look awful.

[Gerry]

Hi SS,
Quite a while ago on this forum there was a recipe for Flee Beetle Spray. Can't remember who posted it but it read....
"Half a bucket of nettles.
Five cloves of garlic.
Cover with water & steep for 2/3 days. Stirring daily until it starts to froth.
This kills them instantly & will also kill them in the soil but you must give it a good soaking."

I'm afraid that I've not tried it but, if you do, will you please report back on whether it works or not.

Best regards, Gerry.