Llysiau Menai

Reducing flea beetle damage in the production of high value brassica crops

Llysiau Menai is a one acre market garden near Llanfairpwllgwyngyll in Anglesey, focusing on seasonal and local vegetable production. Although not certified organic, grower Sam Hollick practises agro ecological methods, building soil health and supporting biodiversity to provide fresh produce for the local community through a veg box scheme. After a successful initial season, the farm is showing potential for growth and is interested in increasing production and exploring new routes to market.
As part of the Farming Connect Our Farms Network, the trial will look at ways of preventing flea beetle damage in high value brassica crops, particularly pak choi and asian salad leaves. The farm has experience of growing these crops in its first season and would like to improve and up scale production for 2024. 

One of the main pests affecting brassica crops is flea beetles. Flea beetles attack crops by creating holes in the leaves, jumping from plant to plant, often damaging young seedlings beyond recovery. The pest is prevalent in Spring when soil temperatures rise, and therefore a management plan needs to be implemented early on in the season. 

This project will explore agroecological methods of pest control including:

• Protective mesh to exclude pests

• Companion crops to ‘push’ pests away

• Mustard trap crop to ‘pull’ pests

• Wildflowers to attract predator species

The project will also compare direct drilling to transplants, F1 and open pollinated seed, and on harvesting, yield weight and grade of crops will be recorded for later analysis. Sowing dates and cropping dates will also be recorded in an effort to extend the season.

The project will also contribute to the Sustainable Land Management outcomes including:

• Resilient Ecosystems 
• Resource Efficiency