Brassica pests

Mealy cabbage aphid (Brevicoryne brassicae)
  • A number of aphid species will feed on and cause damage to brassica crops.
  • Large colonies of Mealy cabbage aphids can quickly develop in warm, dry conditions.
  • Aphid feeding also leaves unsightly black deposits reducing crop value.
  • Aphids present in harvested brassica produce can result in crop rejection.

Where aphid feeding damage is the primary concern, crops should be treated when aphid numbers are building rapidly and reach threshold levels. Aim to avoid colonies becoming established.
DOVETAIL and APHOX all provide rapid knockdown of damaging aphid populations. PLENUM provides up to 14 days effective residual aphid control. For control of Mealy cabbage aphid, add the adjuvant Phase II when using PLENUM for the control of this aphid.
PLENUM
DOVETAIL
APHOX
Peach-potato aphid (Myzus persicae)
  • Peach-potato aphid can be difficult to control in long-term brassica crops such as Brussels sprout.
  • These aphids can cause feeding damage, they are also very effective vectors for a number of viruses which can reduce the productivity of brassica crops.
  • Peach-potato aphids can carry resistance to some insecticides but PLENUM is effective against all forms of this aphid.

Insecticide resistance in Myzus persicae may lead to reduced efficacy of pyrethroid and/or carbamate insecticides. PLENUM should be used if large numbers of Myzus persicae are present, or growers suspect a reduced level of control from previous applications.
PLENUM can provide up to 14 days residual activity.
PLENUM
Caterpillars
  • A number of caterpillars attack brassica crops in the UK, these include cabbage white butterflies (Pieris brassicae and P. rapae) Cabbage moth (Mamestra brassicae) and Diamond-back moth (Plutella xylostella). Caterpillar feeding activity will seriously affect brassica leaf quality and yield.
  • In warm dry weather the rapid life-cycle of some butterflies and moths can result in continual high pressure.
  • Diamond-back moth is frequently the most persistent pest, but Cabbage white butterfly and Cabbage moth can also cause extensive damage.

Adult activity in the crop indicates anticipated caterpillar attack. Inspect leaves for signs of egg laying.
Target with HALLMARK ZEON applications to coincide with the onset of caterpillar feeding. Use DOVETAIL where caterpillar pests occur in combination with Mealy cabbage aphids.
HALLMARK ZEON
DOVETAIL
Pollen beetle (Meligethes aeneus)
  • Pollen beetle can cause feeding damage to brassica crops grown for the production of pre-flowering heads.
  • Crops are most susceptible to damage at the green head stage.
  • Pollen beetle activity in local oilseed rape crops can lead to high pest pressure.

Apply HALLMARK ZEON when pollen beetle activity is identified in crop. Some Pollen beetle populations show signs of resistance to pyrethroid insecticides. If growers suspect a reduced level of efficacy from pyrethroids then an alternative insecticide should be used.
If Pollen beetle coincides with aphids use DOVETAIL.
HALLMARK ZEON
DOVETAIL
White fly (Aleyrodes proletella)
  • Infestations of White fly significantly devalue brassica produce, or can lead to rejections.
  • White fly populations can develop very rapidly and affect all leafy brassica crops.

Apply HALLMARK ZEON or DOVETAIL at the first signs of infestation. Use sufficient water volume and application techniques to assure good penetration of the crop canopy. Repeat application after 10-14 days if any signs of White fly activity remain.
HALLMARK ZEON
DOVETAIL

Brassica crop pest attack timings

TOP TIPS for Brassica pest control

  • Inspect crops regularly during periods of high risk.
  • Unseasonable weather can allow early or prolonged pest attacks.
  • Brassica crops create widely differing application targets through their growth.
  • Applications to mature leafy brassica crops demand higher water volumes to ensure good crop penetration and coverage.
  • The Syngenta Vegetable Nozzle, generating high velocity droplets, has proven highly effective for leafy brassica crop applications.
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