Many years ago, I just couldn't grow regular cucumbers anymore. The cucumber beetles killed everything off. I discovered County Fair cucumbers. They apparently don't have the bitter gene, which is what attracts the beetles. I immediately could grow cucumbers again. I was so happy! I've grown this variety for probably 20 years and never had a problem again.

Well, they're back this year. I bought County Fair from Jung seeds and wrote to them, saying that I wasn't sure these were County Fair seeds. Their staff horticulturalist wrote back a nice long letter, explaining lots of stuff I didn't completely understand, but said that I was just lucky to not have had any cucumber beetles for so long. I find that hard to believe, when I immediately, and for many years afterwards had no beetles.

He did mention climate change, which can upset things now. We were in a moderate drought, and maybe they just got desperately thirsty? I don't know. I just find it strange that they're attracted to my cucumber plants now. They're eating the leaves and also causing wilt.

Any ideas? Anyone have this problem with Jung See County Fair cucumbers this year? Thanks!