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Club Root & Cabbage Root Fly Maggots

Club Root

This is a fungal disease causing stunted growth, purplish foliage and wilting in hot weather. The root system also becomes swollen and distorted. It is worse on acidic soils and in warm, wet weather.

Remedy:

• If you have acidic soil you should apply lime before you plant.
• Test soil acidity using a pH meter which you can buy from DIY stores, or garden centres.
• If the pH of your soil is less than pH6, it is acidic.
• Once you see the symptoms of club root, there is very little you can do.

Birds:

Some birds, especially pigeons, will strip the leaves from broccoli, affecting the plants vigour and yield. They will also pull up seedlings.

Remedy:

• Scarecrows and other devices for frightening birds may work for a while, but the best way of protecting crops is to cover with fine netting, such as Enviromesh. This will also help to protect plants from caterpillars.

Caterpillars:

• A number of caterpillars will feed on cabbages, but the most common are those of cabbage white butterflies.
• You will usually see the caterpillars, if not, you will see the holes they make in the leaves. They will also bore into the heart of cabbages.

Remedy:

• In mild attacks, or if you have only a few plants, you may be able to pick the caterpillars off.
• You can spray with pyrethrum, deltamethrin or lambda-cyhalothrin.
• Insect-proof mesh or fine netting (5-7mm mesh) can prevent egg-laying.

Cabbage root fly:

• Adult cabbage root flies resemble house flies.
• Their larvae are white maggots that feed on the roots and can kill seedling and recently transplanted brassicas

Remedy:

• Protect seed beds and young plants with fleece or insect proof mesh.
• Remove these when plants 15-25cm (6in-10in) tall, and place a felt collar at the base of each plant to prevent eggs being laid.