Pests love to feast on the crisp and juicy leaves of young cabbage, and some are so persistent that they can completely consume the entire plant. It’s important to identify which pests can harm your crops and learn how to deal with them effectively.
Cruciferous Flea
These pests are small, black or dark blue in color, and reproduce quickly. They typically begin to emerge in early May. They lay their eggs on the ground, which develop over 30-60 days. Cruciferous fleas mainly target young seedlings, so when they appear, seedlings should be sprayed with pesticides to protect them.
Summer Cabbage Fly
Summer cabbage flies attack all varieties of cabbage, with white cabbage being their favorite. These flies resemble ordinary flies and hibernate in the upper layer of the earth. They only have one generation per season. The larvae of these flies are particularly harmful, as they feed on the roots, which can cause the plants to die or hinder their growth. To combat them, use folk remedies like planting celery between cabbage beds to repel flies. Digging up the plants more often will help protect the seedlings. You can also dust the plants with tobacco dust to prevent egg-laying. If these methods are ineffective, try using insecticides like Patriot, Borey Neo, Fas, or Fufanon.
Cabbage Stem Borer
The cabbage stem borer affects both the roots and stems of cabbage. These insects are about 3 mm in size and thrive at a temperature of 20°C. They overwinter in the soil’s upper layer. The larvae hatch from eggs within five days and go through three stages of development. They feed on all varieties of cabbage and create tunnels inside the stems. To control these pests, use effective insecticides such as Aktellik, Proteus, and Enshlag. Alternatively, you can try shaking the seedlings with a mixture of tobacco dust and ash.
Cruciferous Bugs
Cruciferous bugs are the most common pest found on cabbage. Adult pests hibernate under fallen leaves during winter. In spring, they feed on weeds, and then they turn to seedlings. Over the course of the season, 2-3 generations of these pests develop.
These bugs pierce cabbage leaves and feed on the juice inside, causing the affected areas to die. The pests are especially active in hot weather. To control them, use insecticides like Aktara, Lannat, or Exirel.
By recognizing these pests and applying the right treatments, you can protect your cabbage crop and ensure a healthy harvest.
