Eggplant Leaves With Holes: Flea Beetles and Young Plants
Eggplant leaves with holes most often show flea beetle feeding. The University of Maryland Extension says adult flea beetles chew tiny holes in leaves and create a shot hole effect, and it warns that this pest will ravage eggplant. Tender seedlings are hit most, so the first weeks after planting matter.
The short answer
Tiny round holes in eggplant leaves usually point to flea beetles. Cover transplants with row cover on hoops right after planting and leave it on until the plants start to flower. Wisconsin Extension says older plants can often withstand the damage, so the goal is getting seedlings through early spring.
What causes holes in eggplant leaves?
Minnesota Extension says most adult flea beetles are 1/16 to 1/8 inch long and jump with large back legs when disturbed. They make shallow pits and small, rounded holes, usually under 1/8 inch. Wisconsin notes that the eggplant flea beetle typically feeds on eggplant and that some plant diseases cause similar holes, so look for the beetles. For how stress builds up on garden plants, see the effects of environmental stresses on weed plants.
Why are young eggplants hit hardest?
Wisconsin says the most serious damage comes from adults feeding on leaves of young plants. Minnesota adds that plants started from seed are less tolerant than transplants, though both suffer badly when beetle numbers are high. Watch from the day seedlings emerge. Maryland lists eggplant, corn and the cabbage family as very susceptible.
How do you cover eggplant against flea beetles?
| Step | Detail | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Row cover timing | Just before emergence or right after transplanting | Wisconsin Extension |
| Row cover setup | Drape over hoops and secure to the ground | Maryland Extension |
| Remove cover | When plants start to flower | Maryland Extension |
| Scouting | Yellow sticky traps | Minnesota, Wisconsin |
| Plant out | After nights stay above 50°F | Minnesota Extension |
Read more about fabric barriers in row covers for cannabis and screened spaces in greenhouse insect screening.
How to: step by step
- Transplant after nights stay above 50°F.
- Set hoops and drape row cover right away.
- Bury or pin the edges so beetles can’t crawl under.
- Hang yellow sticky traps nearby to watch numbers.
- Remove the cover when flowers open.
Troubleshooting
Holes but no beetles seen: tap the leaves, and flea beetles will jump.
Beetles under the cover: Minnesota says beetles may get in whenever the cover is lifted.
Same pest on other crops: see flea beetles on cannabis.
Get eggplant past the seedling stage
Cover early. Uncover at bloom. Kind Seed Co shares more garden notes for growers who raise vegetables and cannabis side by side.
Sources
- Flea beetles, University of Minnesota Extension
- Flea beetles on vegetables, University of Maryland Extension
- Flea beetles, University of Wisconsin Extension Horticulture
- Growing eggplant in home gardens, University of Minnesota Extension
FAQ
Will eggplant recover from flea beetles?
Often. Wisconsin says older plants are often able to withstand flea beetle damage.
When should row covers come off?
Maryland Extension says to cover eggplant with row cover until plants start to flower.
Do flea beetles damage fruit?
Adults chew leaves. Minnesota says larvae usually cause little to no damage, except potato flea beetle larvae.
Which plants do flea beetles like?
Maryland lists eggplant, corn and the cabbage family as very susceptible. They also feed on tomato, potato, pepper and more.
How small are flea beetles?
Minnesota says most adults are 1/16 to 1/8 inch long.
