Any information on growing hops/pest controls?

[organic4ever]

I work at a totally organic facility :) and use companion plants, compost, and the usual arsenal of acceptable non-chemical weapons, but I have two huge arbors of hops that start out looking beautiful for several weeks, but by the time they creep further up the arbors something gets to them. I am guessing flea beetles from my best guess and inspection. Any hot tips out there? I did try soaping them down early in the season on a overcast day and rinsing them after a short time, but it turned the edges a little brown. After a week or so the leaves look like something was pitting the leaves??? Appreciate any comments.

[pollywogdeb]

I forage wild hops here in SC Iowa, so am uncertain about domestic plantings. Have you inspected the leaves that were affected, looking under them for any eggs or critters? Also, could you clarify what the damage is- from how I read your post, it seems the soaping was the action that turned the leaves a bit brown on the edges, and the pitting of the leaves was the damage done by the mystery creature? Am I reading that right? Any further infor you can provide about the damage, time of year, such as that would help us figure it out. Hope to help some! deb

[flowerpower]

I agree with Deb. I think the soaping caused the edges to turn brown. I always have a prob with Aphids (if anything). The traditional way to grow hops (in my area) is straight up. Poles are ususally about 20 ft high. They ususally grow much longer. Hops love lots of sun.

[Pharmerphil]

The browning farther up on the vines could indicate a potassium
deficiency.
as far as pests go, the culprit could be Black Vine Weevil, never
seen flea beetles attack hops, but it is possible.
If the cones are affected, it could be the Hop Aphid.
another possible, and a big threat to hops is the Two Spotted
Spider Mite.
Many pests can and will attack your hops, weather, location, etc.
all playing a factor. wire-worms, root weevils, western spotted cucumber beetles, corn earworms, and
several species of cutworm may also require control measures in some years.
Aphid predators, including lady beetles, green lacewings, and
syrphid or hover fly larvae, can be used to help control aphids.
Your soap spray may be causing the browning to worsen, as
with any spray, do not spray in the sunlight, it will kill the
leaves for sure.
Neem applications will combat most all the pests, plus, it will
help with Verticillium wilt, and H.P.M.(hop powdery mildew)

[organic4ever]

Hey everyone!

Happy New Year to all and thanks for all the replies to my situation. All comments were helpful and gave me some fodder for my spring plan of attack. I guessed flea beetles only because there are some native plants right next to the arbor and I found some on them. I had originally thought that it might be a mite of some sort, but looked and wasn't seeing the usual symptoms, webbing, etc..., but then again they grow in so thick and high up the arbor I need a ladder to really take a look. And the other factor is I have 12 acres here to maintain and can't always devote the kind of time I would like on everything. I have approximately 50,000 to 65,000 visitors every year walk under that arbor and folks always ask what they are. I want to make an effort in correcting whatever it is so they can always appear their best and continue to inspire comments from the public. (Oh! I did the soap thing one morning real early on an overcast day. I do a lot of "soaping" here and usually have no problem, but again my knowledge of hops and how it would respond was guessing at best. I do have Neem that I pull out as my last ditch effort and I use aphidius and encarsia cards and granules to get my beneficials out there. ) Thanks to all for the help. This forum is wonderful. :)

[Pharmerphil]

You are welcome Organic4ever

[sweetpea]

What does one do with hops besides make beer? It's not anything I've ever seen growing.

[Bellepepper]

Sweetpea, I grow hops here in S.E. KS mostly for shade. It dies back and comes back every spring and grows sometimes a foot a day. Makes for great shade by August for plants that can't tolorate this KS summer sun. I have always wanted to make tea or something with the "crop" but never have got around to it. Supposed to be southing.

[zebraman]

Hey BellPepper;The Dried Flowers are steeped in hot water.Hops contain a mild narcotic as well as a halucinogen.Hops are "cured" before being used in Beer to erradicate this.
This is also why Tobacco is cured by the Flue method before beeing made into cigarettes and cigars.

[sweetpea]

I wonder if they would turn into kudzu-like plants here in GA! Vines that aren't invasive elsewhere turn into the Blob-that-eats-the-world here. The wisteria is blooming now, festooning trees like a shroud. Beautiful, but they'll eventually ruin the trees.

[organic4ever]

It's been a while since I asked my original question, but to answer Sweetpea about other uses for hops, we have several crafters stop in where I work and gather the flowers for "slumber pillows." As Bellepepper mentioned they are soothing and from what I've been told, offer the same kind of aromatherapy results as lavendar does for aiding in sleep. :D