Brassicas

Pests of Field Crops in Southern Africa

CABBAGE FAMILY

(Brassica spp., Cruciferae)

Text Box: See general section. In small plot or garden crops (but certainly not field crops), seedlings may be protected from this damaging pest by the use of physical barriers placed around the base of each plant. Cardboard tubes (such as those in the centre of toilet rolls) may be cut into 7-8 cm sections and pressed into the soil around each seedling. By the time the cardboard disintegrates, the plants are usually beyond the susceptible stage. TOP

Text Box: See general section. Liriomyza may become established on brassica seedlings, but has seldom been seen to cause serious leaf damage, as long as insecticidal sprays are kept to a minimum. TOP

Þ Cabbage Aphid

Þ Cabbage Webworm

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Þ Diamond-Back Moth

Þ Greater Cabbage Moth

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White tunnels left in cabbage leaves by Liriomyza larvae (above and left).

Liriomyza larva in leaf mine.