The Online Gardener's Handbook
2010
Chapter 4: Vegetables
Beet, Swiss Chard, Spinach
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Leafminers
- Learn More
Introduction
In this chapter, a description of various leafy vegetable pests
will be provided along with suggested management options. These
management options will not include the use of pesticides. Some
biopesticides and certain reduced risk pesticides are still available
to the homeowner for controlling weeds and pests in lawns and gardens.
For more information, refer to Chapter
2 of this handbook and the Ministry
of the Environment's website. For suggestions on managing specific
weeds and pests, consult local horticulturalists, Master
Gardeners or your local garden supply centre.
Leafminers
Several species of Leafminers damage leafy vegetables in Ontario.
Look for the presence of twisted tunnels or mines inside the leaves.
For more information, see the Leafminer section of Chapter
1.
The pea leafminer has been found in the Holland Marsh area of Ontario.
The adult causes severe stipling (bronzing) damage to leaves of
spinach and Swiss chard. Mining of the leaves by pea leafminer larvae
is not as common. For more information on the pea leafminer, see
lettuce and celery.
Management Options
Damage may not be an issue if only roots and stems are eaten. Leafminer
feeding may be more problematic on spinach and Swiss chard. Grow
New Zealand-type spinach, which is not attacked. Destroy damaged
leaves; do not compost. Scrape off eggs, which are laid by some
species on the undersides of leaves.
Learn More
