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New varieties vs. fungus. Asparagus spears in situ look almost comically naked and vulnerable, so you might be surprised to know that they're not troubled much by pests or diseases. Rust and fusarium wilt, two fungal diseases, are the two that have been most troublesome to asparagus growers. Most new varieties are resistant to both, and that's especially good news because the only thing to be done once either strikes is to start again with new crowns in a new location. Rust is caused by too much moisture— its orange, yellow or white blister-like spots can appear anywhere on the plant. Fusarium stunts spears and can turn them brown and inedible.
Beat the beetles. Both larval and adult asparagus beetles feed on spears, creating holes and causing the spear to curl. Handpicking is usually sufficient to control them. For more serious infestations, protect the spears with row covers from early spring until the end of the harvest. The beetles overwinter in old foliage; clear it away before stalks appear.
