Healthy soil and sustainable growing

[Harvey Ussery <huboxwood@earthlink.net>]

Anybody had success dealing with Harlequin Bug (Murgantia histrionica)? 
(There's a picture at

http://www.ivyhall.district96.k12.il.us/4TH/KKHP/1INSECTS/harlequin.html

although my version of HB is more yellow-orange, rather than red, along 
with the black.)

For about 3 years now, they have devastated all my crucifer crops. 
Brassicas are hit, too, but I'm able to get good crops of cabbage, 
broccoli, kale. Radishes of all sorts (including winter types like 
daikon), mustards and other cooking greens like raab, etc.--often, I 
simply can't mature a crop of those, spring or fall.(Meaning I plant and 
get *zero* return.) And this in a period when I'm emphasizing beneficial 
insect plantings more all the time, and getting great results with some 
of the problem insects from the past--Colorado potato beetle, cabbage 
worm, even bean beetle has not been as prolific. (Squash bug is another 
matter--but I sic the guineas on them, with 100% effect.)

I don't use *any* sprays or dusts anymore, "organically approved" or 
not. Anybody have any successful experience to share, controling HB 
using only beneficials enhancement and other non-broad-spectrum 
solutions? Thanks.

~Harvey
--
Harvey in northern Va
www.themodernhomestead.us

"How we eat determines, to a considerable extent, how the world is 
used."  ~Wendell Berry