CLOSED: I need to id eggplant pest

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gessieviolet Saluda, SC(Zone 8a) May 13, 2013

I am trying to grow eggplant for the first time.

Plants have been in ground for about a week but already the leaves are covered with what I thought was white and black specks. When I brushed the leaves I realized what ever it was was alive. Now in these pictures I can clearly see little black bugs. What is the white stuff?

Any suggestion for bringing this under control, preferably non-chemical? I am going to use insecticidal soap, I don't think I can do anymore harm than is already there.

My datura seem to be suffering the same fate? Possible or my imagination?

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gessieviolet Saluda, SC(Zone 8a) May 13, 2013

I found answer. Photos on net look exactly like ones I made of my plant.

http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/gardens-gardening/your-garden/help-for-the-home-gardener/advice-tips-resources/pests-and-problems/insects/beetles/flea-beetle.aspx

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melody Benton, KY(Zone 7a) May 17, 2013

Yep, flea beetles...they like brassicas too (cabbage, broccoli, kale)

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greenthumb99 Lucketts, VA(Zone 7a) May 17, 2013

Insecticidal soap should work as long as you manage to spray it on the flea beetles. You will need to wet all surfaces of the plants. This is benign for humans and other mammals as it is simply a solution of Castile soap in water. You can mix it up yourself for next to nothing and use it liberally.

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gessieviolet Saluda, SC(Zone 8a) May 19, 2013

Thanks everyone. I think I am fighting a loosing battle on this one. My plants look terrible, even after spraying every day since I posted this.

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