Cabbage Caterpillars
|
Cabbage Caterpillars  The cabbage white or large white butterfly is a creamy white butterfly, with a brad back tip to the forewing appearing in April and May. Clusters of bright orange eggs are laid on and under leaves of susceptible plants. The distinctive yellow and black cabbage caterpillars often found in large clusters, grow up to 2 in.(5cm) long feeding for a month or so. There are two or three generations per year. The spring brood of the small cabbage white butterfly is white with slightly clouded black tips on forewings. The summer broad have darker tips and black markings on the wings. The cabbage caterpillars, which grow up to 11/2 in(3.5cm) long, are velvety green, making them difficult to spot, especially when lying along a vein or a leaf. They are often found feeding in the heart of a plant. There can be three generations in a year with the severest attacks on the late summer. Susceptible Plants- All brassicas, including Chinese cabbage, some ornamental plants in the Cruciferae family, and nasturtiums. Symptoms- Holes of different sizes on the outer leaves of all brassicas and often on the inner leaves of cabbages when the heart is cut through. Cabbage caterpillars and their excrement are often found on the plants. Plants can be quickly stripped to a skeleton.
Prevention and Control- Inspect plants regularly and pick off caterpillars when seen. Wasp are particularly effective at controlling cabbage caterpillars. Grow crops under fine mesh netting to exclude butterflies.
Biological Control- Beneficial Nematodes    devour caterpillar eggs.Pesticide Control- Monterey Organic Insect Spray  Bonide Dipel Dust 
|
|
