![]() ![]() This allows populations to build quickly, which is the main reason DBM are so destructive. 3 They have a short life cycle (average of 32 days), and females lay an average of 150 eggs during their two-week lifespan. The DBM caterpillar ( Plutella xylostella) is the most common and problematic caterpillar pest of brassica crops, though it is the smallest. ![]() Together they are known as the “cabbageworm complex.” Diamondback Moth Caterpillar The diamondback moth caterpillar ( Plutella xylostella) (DBM), cabbage looper ( Trichoplusia ni), and imported cabbageworm ( Pieris rapae) (ICW) are the predominant caterpillar pests of brassicas. In addition, frass excreted as caterpillars feed may contaminate and stain harvested greens, reducing marketability. Caterpillars have chewing mouthparts and create holes in foliage (figure 1), bore into the heads of cabbage, and feed on the florets of broccoli and cauliflower. Image credit: Justin Ballew, Clemson Cooperative Extension.Ĭaterpillars are the immature form of butterflies and moths and are the most common and severe insect pest of brassica crops. A complete control failure of caterpillar pests can result in significant crop defoliation. Caterpillar Pests of Brassica Cropsįigure 1. Extension agents can provide identification assistance when needed. The photos and descriptions below can be used to help identify pests prior to making treatment decisions. 2Ĭorrectly identifying pests is the first step in a responsible management program. Each year, South Carolina producers spend an average of $600 per acre managing insect pests. ![]() 1 Insect feeding damage is one of the most significant causes of yield and quality loss in brassica crops. Over 9,500 acres of brassica crops were grown by South Carolina producers in 2016, accounting for over $48 million in sales. IntroductionĬrops in the family Brassicaceae (known as brassicas) include collards, kale, mustard, cabbage, broccoli, turnips, and many others. This article describes identification features and biological information needed to help growers correctly identify common insect pests of brassicas. Brassica crops are susceptible to feeding damage from many chewing and sucking insect pests. ![]()
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