# Evaluation of Ten Alternative Treatments for the Management of Harlequin Bug (Murgantia histrionica) on Brassica Crops

## TL;DR

This study tested ten treatments to manage harlequin bugs on broccoli, finding that ProtekNet netting and Entrust were most effective, while essential oils and bokashi products failed.

## Contribution

The study provides empirical evidence on the effectiveness of exclusion netting and biopesticides for organic harlequin bug management in broccoli.

## Key findings

- ProtekNet mesh netting provided the highest protection against harlequin bugs and leaf damage.
- Entrust showed similar efficacy to ProtekNet in controlling bug life stages and leaf scars.
- Essential oil and bokashi products were ineffective in managing harlequin bugs.

## Abstract

Harlequin bug (Murgantia histrionica) poses a significant threat to cruciferous vegetable crops, leading to economic losses and challenges in sustainable agriculture. This 2-year field study evaluated the efficacy of exclusion netting and selected biopesticides in controlling harlequin bug populations in a field-grown broccoli crop. Treatments included an untreated control, industry standards Azera and Entrust, and ProtekNet mesh netting. Additionally, three commercial essential oil treatments including Essentria IC-3, Nature-Cide, and Zero Tolerance were tested along with two bokashi fermented composting products BrewKashi and Oriental Herbal Nutrient (OHN). During both the first and second year of the study, none of the commercially produced essential oil products or bokashi products were effective in controlling harlequin bug or preventing leaf scars. Conversely, ProtekNet consistently provided the highest level of protection against harlequin bugs of all stages as well as leaf damage scars; it also provided the largest broccoli head width and highest yield. Entrust showed similar results compared to ProtekNet, both with the control of harlequin bug life stages and with leaf scars. These findings indicate that both ProtekNet and Entrust are effective organic alternatives for managing harlequin bug on broccoli, while the selected essential oil and bokashi products do not appear to be effective.