flea beetle and daubentens kale

[bluebell]

Im not sure if anyone will have the answer to this but Im a bit puzzled that the Daubentens Kale that I planted out has not suffered with flea beetle at all, yet the small kale plants that I have planted out have suffered quite badly.
Is it that the Daubentens is a more established plant or does it have something else about it that is less attractive to flea beetles?

[charles]

 Good old Daubenton kale – yes it is an established plant and they suffer less, also flea beetles feast on small, tender leaves, hence the damage they do to seedlings and salad brassicas such as mizuna and rocket. Daubenton’s leaves are also extra waxy, perhaps this keeps insects off, though caterpillars eat them, and they are tender to cook.

[bluebell]

Thanks Charles It is a fascinating aspect of growing that I had not anticipated – learning the tastes and life style of so many bugs as well as plants.

[Author]

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