Pests, Diseases and Disorders of Babyleaf Vegetables A FIELD IDENTIFICATION GUIDE

Jenny Ekman, Len Tesoriero and Stuart Grigg First published May 2014 © Horticulture Australia Ltd.

Copyright protects this publication. Except for purposes permitted by the Copyright Act, reproduction by whatever means is prohibited without the prior written permission of Acknowledgements Horticulture Australia Ltd. This project was made possible by funding from National Library of Australia Cataloguing-in-Publication entry Horticulture Australia Ltd using the national vegetable Authors: Jenny Ekman, Len Tesoriero and Stuart Grigg. levy and matched funds from the Australian Government. Title: Pests, Diseases and Disorders of Babyleaf Vegetables: A Field Identification Guide. ISBN: 978-0-9925251-0-1 Production of the guide would not have been possible without Subjects: Lettuce−Diseases and pests−Australia−Identification. the generous assistance of fellow researchers, agronomists, Spinach−Diseases and pests−Australia−Identification. extension officers and interested amateur photographers who Brassica−Diseases and pests−Australia−Identification. have allowed us to use photographs from their collections. Other authors/Contributors: Applied Horticultural Research, New South Wales Special thanks are due to; Department of Primary Industries, AgHort Consulting. Sandra McDougall, Valerie Draper, Dewey number: 635.5 Tony Napier and Lowan Turton — NSW DPI This project has been funded by Horticulture Australia Ltd using the vegetable levy Moazzem Khan, John Duff — QDAFF and matched funds from the Australian Government. Rob Dimsey — DEPI Vic Guide produced by Applied Horticultural Research. Designed by Noel Wendtman Design. Adam Broadley — DAFF Andy Ryland Disclaimer Every care has been taken in the preparation of this publication to ensure information is accurate. Mike Titley Care has also been taken that all photographs are used appropriately, cited correctly and with permission where needed. The information contained therefore represents the authors’ best knowledge and Helena Whitman — VGA Victoria understanding at the time of writing (May 2014). Niroshini Gunasinghe However, users are reminded to ensure that information on which they rely is up to date and to check its currency and accuracy with qualified advisors. In addition, the authors take no responsibility for the Lindsey DuToit — Washington State University correctness or reliability of information included in this document that has been provided by third parties. Any recommendations contained in this publication do not necessarily represent current Horticulture John Damicone — Oklahoma State University Australia Ltd policy. No person should act on the basis of the contents of this publication, whether as to matters of fact, expressed opinion or implied recommendation, without first obtaining specific, independent professional advice in respect of the matters set out in this publication. CONTENTS

INSECTS DISEASES Aphid–brown sowthistle 2 Leafhopper / Jassid 34 Alternaria leaf spot/ Downy mildew–spinach 79 Aphid–cabbage 4 Leafminer–brassica 35 Target spot 62 Grey mould 80 Aphid–currant lettuce 6 Leafminer–cineraria 36 Anthracnose–spinach 63 Peppery leaf spot 81 Aphid–green peach 7 Leafminer–spinach 37 Anthracnose–lettuce 64 Phoma leaf spot 82 Aphid–sowthistle 8 Looper 38 Bacterial leaf spot–brassicas 65 Powdery mildew 83 Cabbage centre grub 9 Lucerne leafroller 39 Bacterial leaf spot–lettuce 66 Root rot 84 Cabbage white butterfly 10 Mite–blue oat 40 Bacterial soft rot 67 Root rot–black 85 Cluster caterpillar / Mite–clover 41 Black rot/Bacterial leaf spot 68 Root rot–bottom rot 86 Tropical armyworm 12 Mite–predatory 42 Cercospora leaf spot 69 Septoria leaf spot 87 Cutworm 14 Mite–redlegged earth mite 43 Cladosporium leaf spot 70 Stemphylium leaf spot– Damsel bug 17 Mite–spinach crown / bulb 44 Clubroot 71 spinach 88 Diamondback moth 18 Mite–two spotted 45 Corky root 73 Stemphylium leaf spot– False wireworm 20 Parasitoid wasps 46 Damping off 74 lettuce 89 Flea beetle 21 Plague soldier beetle 48 Damping off–fusarium wilt 76 Virus – Mosaic 90 Fungus gnats 22 Rove beetle 49 Damping off–wire stem 77 White blister/white rust 92 Green mirid 23 Rutherglen bug 50 Downy mildew–brassicas 78 White leaf spot 93 Green vegetable bug 24 Shore flies 52 Ground beetle 25 Springtails 53 Heliothis / Native budworm 26 Thrips–onion, plague, DISORDERS Hoverfly 28 tomato, WFT 54 Blindness 96 Hail damage 105 Lacewing–brown 29 Weevil–vegetable 56 Calcium deficiency–tipburn 97 Herbicide damage 106 Lacewing–green 30 Weevil – white fringed 58 Cold damage 98 Nitrogen deficiency 108 Ladybird–fungus eating 31 Wireworm 59 Copper toxicity 99 Oedema 109 Ladybird–predatory 32 Fertiliser burn–lettuce 100 Old seed 110 Fertiliser burn–urea 101 Pesticide damage 111 Frost damage–permanent 102 Phosphorus deficiency 112 Frost damage–recoverable 103 Waterlogging 113 Guttation 104 Wind damage–lettuce 114 Insects 2 INSECTS and black antennae. black and joints black with legs pale colour. havebrown Adults reddish dark a distinctive long), mm shiny(3 and –4.5 aphids largest the of one Adult: brown. to pale Nymph: females bear live young. times at other periods; winter Egg: Uroleucon sonchi Uroleucon sowthistle brown – Aphid Brown UniofHaifa) sowthistle aphids(MInbar DESCRIPTION Only laid during cool cool during laid Only Wingless adults are are adults Wingless Solid yellow-green yellow-green Solid potential contamination issue. contamination potential a is also and viruses transmit Can damaged. severely be may plants Whole shrivelled. and wilted distorted, become to them causing leaves, lettuce from sap Sucks DAMAGE

Brown sowthistle aphids(SGrigg) an important control measure. an important is crop the around from weeds related Removing lettuce. of pest amajor is also this aphid weeds, sowthistle on found Although most commonly MOST COMMON 3 INSECTS 4 INSECTS (JK Clarke UCDavis) Clarke Cabbage aphidadultandnymph (JK black head and thorax. and head black with greyish are adults Winged long. mm to 2.5 up and to nymphs similar appearing waxy also are adults Wingless Adult: coating. waxy to their due a grey, appearance mealy bright green, but soon develop Nymph: Brevicoryne brassicae Brevicoryne cabbage – Aphid DESCRIPTION Young are nymphs peak in spring and autumn. and in spring peak to tend numbers brassicas, leafy of apest Mainly potential contamination issue. a is also and to brassicas virus mosaic cauliflower spread Can distorted. and stunted become leaves which youngest the Tend on colonies to form MOST COMMON DAMAGE

cabbage aphid winglessadults (SWilliams) Adults, nymphs, parasitised ‘mummies’ (top, and larvae S Grigg) and hoverfly 5 INSECTS 6 INSECTS scattered rather than forming forming than rather scattered to be tend aphids Lettuce joints. leg and heads blackish have which females, winged in distinct are more markings dark The to long. up 3mm and markings brown with greenish are adults Wingless Adult: to brown. light Nymph: Yellowish Nasonovia ribisnigri Nasonovia lettuce currant – Aphid (W Cranshaw CSU,Currant Bugwood.org) lettuce aphidnymph (W DESCRIPTION at all times of year. of times at all lettuces of pest A major issue. acontamination Mainly hard to them detect. making loose leaf lettuce varieties, in rosette into leaf the deep burrow They colonies. dense MOST COMMON DAMAGE eyes and patterned bodies. patterned eyes and red dark with heads have black females winged long; 2 mm around and to green yellow Adult: to green. yellowish Nymph: (R) andthe white ‘skins’ moulting(SGrigg) after left Green peach aphidwingedadult (SBauerUSDA ARS),wingless adults andnymphs persicae Myzus Aphid –green peach DESCRIPTION Wingless adults are pale pale are adults Wingless Varies from Varies from

on a wide range of host plants. host of range awide on months warmer during Found many viruses. for as avector acts potentially and product contaminates the feeding, through distortion leaf Causes MOST COMMON DAMAGE 7 INSECTS 8 INSECTS Sowthistle aphids (DFenwick) (tubes) abdomen. its on siphunculi shaped club by slightly the distinguished but aphid, lettuce to currant Similar abdomen. and head the on patches black with but colour, and size in is similar form winged The antennaes. and legs to tips their dark with green 2–3 solid long, mm Adult brown. to pale green Nymph: females bear live young. times at other periods; winter cool during laid Only Egg: Hyperomyzus lactucae Hyperomyzus sowthistle – Aphid DESCRIPTION Wingless adults are are adults : Wingless Solid yellow- Solid cannot breed on lettuce alone. this aphid species; rubus and are sowthistle hosts Primary issue. contamination apotential are and virus yellows necrotic lettuce spread aphids Sowthistle shriveled. and curled to become them leaves causing lettuce of undersides the on Feeds MOST COMMON DAMAGE (DNRE Victoria) Adult andlarvae moth (DHobern) webbing producing growth, new on feed Caterpillars 12over body, around long. mm tent aflattened in held wings Adult: plant. the on webbing within Pupae: stripes. brown reddish 12 indistinct with long mm to up caterpillar coloured Caterpillar: surface. soil the or leaves young on laid Egg: hydralisHellula centre grub Cabbage DESCRIPTION DAMAGE Oval, creamy, Oval, Mottled brown moth, moth, brown Mottled Brown, often formed formed often Brown, Chunky, cream

states during spring. southern in occasionally NSW,and numbers high QLD in to autumn through summer during brassicas of pest aminor Usually together. webbed be Leaves can as frass. as well MOST COMMON 9 INSECTS 10 INSECTS with one (male) one with two or butterfly white recognisable Immediately Adult: stem. or to aleaf attached midpoint, the near spines ridged with prominent Yellow Pupae: green, approx 30 mm long. are Mature caterpillars top. and sides their on stripe yellow athin with Caterpillar: shaped. bullet orange, Egg: Pieris rapae butterfly white Cabbage (J Ekman) Cabbage white egg(J DESCRIPTION Laid singly, to Laid yellow Velvety green green Velvety leafy lines and rockets. and lines leafy Asian including brassicas, all attack can which pest Aminor months. Warmer angles. leaf in leaves and on edges, dark green droppings to leaf leaves and damage chewing irregular Large, at rest. upward folded the forewing. Wings held on spots (female) black MOST COMMON DAMAGE

(J Ekman) (J Cabbage white caterpillar andadult butterfly 11 INSECTS 12 INSECTS andyoung caterpillars (NSWDPI) Emerging (A Carmichael, QUT) to black with red, yellow and and yellow red, with to black grey dark become Caterpillars mature. asthey separate but asagroup feed and green grey- Initially Caterpillar: scales. and hairs white fluffy with covered usually spheres Egg: Spodoptera litura Spodoptera caterpillar Cluster DESCRIPTION Laid in large mass, creamy mass, large in Laid

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Tropical armyworm brown, cream and grey. and cream brown, with patterned over back, Adult: soil. the in found Pupae: disturbed. if into aball Tend50 length. mm to curl reaching cream markings, Wings held in atent in held Wings Reddish brown, brown, Reddish

affecting all babyleaf crops. babyleaf all affecting potentially range, host Queensland. Very wide in Spring-autumn Caterpillars skeletonise leaves. Mature caterpillar (NSWDPI)andadult moth(DHobern) MOST COMMON DAMAGE 13 INSECTS 14 INSECTS and disturbed (SARDI(inset)) caterpillars anddisturbed Flickriver) Active (FTGort grey to black with red, yellow yellow red, with togrey black age, becoming dark green/ as they darken Caterpillars mature. asthey separate but asagroup feed and green Caterpillar: scales. and hairs white fluffy with covered usually creamy spheres mass, alarge in Laid Egg: Agrotis spp. Agrotis Cutworm DESCRIPTION Initially grey- Initially is a type of cutworm. cutworm. of is atype moth grey. bogong The and cream brown, with patterned tent over back, Adult: soil. the in found Pupae: disturbed. if into aball curl Tend toup 50 length. mm to reaching creamand markings, Wings held in a in held Wings Reddish brown, brown, Reddish

converted to cropping. newly areas damper in especially spring, during likely most Damage day. the during on feed to soil the under dragged may be Plants night. the during usually level, soil at seedlings off cut Larvae Adult damage to moth (NSWDPI)andcutworm chard (C Longacre) MOST COMMON DAMAGE 15 INSECTS 16 INSECTS stronger for grasping prey. grasping for stronger are two front the which of legs, Long feeding. for mouthpart sucking prominant 8–12 long, with long mm Adult: wings. lacking and smaller except adults Nymph: tissues. into plant laid Egg: (J Ekman) Damsel bug adult(J spp. Nabis bug Damsel DESCRIPTION Whitish, oval eggs eggs oval Whitish, Slender, light tan bug bug Slender, tan light Similar to Can occur at any time of year. at of any occur time Can species. caterpillar various and leafhoppers aphids, including insects, other on predators aggressive extremely are adults and nymphs bug insect: Beneficial MOST COMMON DAMAGE

Damsel 17 INSECTS 18 INSECTS attached to the leaf or stem. or leaf to the attached Pupae: at 10–12Mature long. mm disturbed. plant if the Tend green. from to drop developing to bright yellowish colourless, Initially Caterpillar: stems. leaves and on clumps in laid are eggs yellow, Pale oval Egg: Plutella xylostella moth Diamondback Feeding Ekman) seedling andbukchoy windows leaf(J and holesinkale DESCRIPTION Silvery mesh cocoon cocoon mesh Silvery insides of leaves to making leaves of to making insides the mining from progress grow, they As caterpillars 3 ‘diamond’ shapes. incorporates wings the of edges back the along stripe brown light body. Central atent in over its held wings Adult: DAMAGE Slender, brown

Bugwood.org) andadult(DGriffiths) moth Cranshaw Colorado SU, UniGeorgia,Caterpillar Bugwood.org) (ROttens , pupae(W survival. 35°C insect reduce over temperatures while 8°C hatch below don’t Eggs autumn in Queensland. and Victoria in summer Australia, South in spring from increase Numbers kale. and rocket leafy, asAsian such crops brassica of pest Major veins. leaf between especially holes, leave large intact). Mature caterpillars surface leaf upper the holes or ‘windows’ (leaving feeding small numerous MOST COMMON 19 INSECTS 20 INSECTS (Virginia Tech)Adult (Virginia andfalsewireworm beetle (USchmidt) larvae Gonocephalum spp. False wireworm roots. Adults chew stems stems chew Adults roots. plant and seeds germinated newly on feed they where soil the in live Larvae dish). (likepie a edges flanged has beetle’.‘darkling Thorax asa known commonly beetle shaped oval black or Adult: related. are closely they to which mealworm, common to the Similar long. 30 mm to up segments, obvious with body smooth Hard, mouthparts. darker and head withgolden larvae round Larvae: surface soil the below just or on Laid Egg: DESCRIPTION DAMAGE Dull dark grey, dark Dull brown Dark cream to cream Dark undisturbed soil below. soil undisturbed and soil cultivated loose, of junction at the stay but to move not around tend wireworms false wireworms, Unlike true spring. during damage most cause but winter autumn and through Queensland, develop larvae and NSW of districts in Found plants. small ring-bark may and level, at ground MOST COMMON to jump liketo jump fleas. them allowing enlarged, are legs hind The covers. wing its along stripes yellowish with black often Adult: soil. the in live which heads brown with Larvae: soil. the in laid Egg: (M Deml Encyclopedia ofLife) Encyclopedia flea beetle(right) (MDeml and turnip headedflea beetle (top)Red (C Mares, QDAFF), fleabeetle on MAF)rocket (Ontario spp. Phyllotreta Flea beetle DESCRIPTION White to oval, to oval, White Small, shiny beetle, shiny Small, beetle, White grubs grubs White

leafy products and rocket. and products leafy to Asian particularly pest, spring-summer Occasional potential contaminant. a are beetles Adult roots. plant the on feed larvae round pits or holes, while small causing leaves, plant the on feed Adults MOST COMMON DAMAGE 21 INSECTS 22 INSECTS Bradysia spp. Fungus gnats andadult (AFungus Broadley Clark) DAFF) (JK gnat larvae on feed they where surface soil the near live Larvae and long, slender legs. antennae long wings, smoky or clear of pair asingle with long flies 2–3 black mm Tiny Adult: soil. the travels across asit slime of Leaves atrail long. mm 5–8 head, black asmall with maggots Larvae: Tiny, soil. in Egg: laid DESCRIPTION DAMAGE Clear to white to white Clear greenhouses than field crops. field than greenhouses of apest commonly More and/or nutrients. matter organic of levels high are there where conditions damp Prefer issue. a contamination mainly are Adults seedlings. affecting those especially diseases, fungal for as vectors act potentially also can They stems. and roots seedling MOST COMMON its back. Antennae nearly as nearly Antennae back. its flat over folded wings clear approximately 7 mm long with Adult: tips. have brown reddish Antennae nymph. shaped pear Nymph: green, Pale surface. the from projecting tops the with into leaves, the Egg: Nymph andadult green QDAFF)Nymph (MKhan mirids dilutus Creontiades Green mirid DESCRIPTION Single eggs are inserted inserted are eggs Single Pale green bug bug green Pale

Summer months. Summer points. growing kill can which into plants, enzymes digestive inject nymphs and adults feeding During markings. red with sometimes bug, body. Agile asthe long MOST COMMON DAMAGE 23 INSECTS 24 INSECTS bug around 15 around bug long. mm Adult: together. aggregate to white patterning. Tend and black red, bright with green turning then red, Nymph: mature. as they golden on leaf undersides, turning creamy are laid eggs shaped, Egg: Nezara viridula Green vegetable bug Nymph (L Nymph Turton NSW DPI) NSWDPI) andadult(SMcDougall bug DESCRIPTION Neat rafts of barrel barrel of rafts Neat Green, shield shaped shaped shield Green, Initially orange- Initially range of host plants. host of range awide on Spring-summer contamination issue. apotential so to see, hard be can Adults sucking. by sap Young are damaged shoots MOST COMMON DAMAGE runners and rarely fly. rarely and runners fast are They covers. wing 8-12mm long with ridged Flatten Adult: prey. attacking for jaws obvious and head large relatively with grub Larvae: moist soil debris. in clusters in Laid Egg: Ground beetle (J Ekman) Ground beetle (J Carabidae spp. beetle Ground DESCRIPTION Segmented ed black beetle beetle black ed Year round. ground. to the close or litter, soil in forage usually They pests. other and snails slugs, caterpillars, insects, on predatory are beetles adult insect: Beneficial MOST COMMON DAMAGE

larvae and and larvae 25 INSECTS 26 INSECTS Heliothis eggs (SGrigg) stimulates emergence. Rain surface. soil the under just found generally Pupae: to up grow 50 long. mm Caterpillars reddish. or to greenish brown from varies along their length. Colour stripes distinctive develop long, when they darken and 15mm around reach they until this colour remain They heads. dark with brown light long, Caterpillar: hatching. before brown finally and yellow, orange diameter, darkeningto 1mm domes white Egg: Helicoverpa armigera, H. punctigera NativeHeliothis / budworm DESCRIPTION Laid singly. Ribbed, singly. Ribbed, Laid Golden colour, Golden Initially 1.5 mm Initially crops, rarer on spinach. on rarer crops, brassica and lettuce include hosts Common plant. the of part central the or prefer leaf undersides Warm weather. Larvae issue. is acontamination frass leaves, in holes ragged Large, pale brown with dark edges. wings body, hind the across flat held to up mm, 25 spanning wings brown patterned lightly with Stout moth Adult: MOST COMMON DAMAGE

, andadult moth(KPower) Ekman) Heliothis caterpillar (J 27 INSECTS 28 INSECTS actually harmless. Often Often harmless. actually but abdomen, flattened rather its across bands yellow and black with wasp Adult: to up 10 long. mm hooks, mouth dark and surface upper on stripe with maggot Larvae: colonies. aphid near laid Egg: Syrphidae spp. Hoverfly and larvae withcabbageaphid prey (SGrigg) andlarvae Ekman) (J Hoverfly DESCRIPTION Oval white eggs usually usually eggs white Oval Resembles a bee or or abee Resembles Cream coloured coloured Cream especially summer. especially Warm weather, issue. a contamination present can However, larvae aphids. of numbers large eat insect: Beneficial pollen. and nectar on feeding plants, near hovers MOST COMMON DAMAGE maggots than green lacewing. than green Smaller antennae. long and eyes greenish round, Large, body. it’s along upright finely veinedwings held large, with to long up 8mm Adult: tail. jaws long and shaped sickle large, but head smallish to up 10 with long mm larvae Nymph: Slender brown leaves. on singly laid Egg: (J Ekman) andadult(J Brown (SGrigg) lacewing larvae tasmaniae Micromus brown – Lacewing DESCRIPTION Cream, oval eggs eggs oval Cream, Delicate brown insect insect brown Delicate Year round. leaves. to wet may stick wings large adults’ as the issue, especially contamination However, a mites. be can and thrips caterpillars, small aphids, of predators voracious are nymphs and insect: Beneficial MOST COMMON DAMAGE

adults adults 29 INSECTS 30 INSECTS eyes and long antennae. long eyes and red round body. Large, the wings held upright along veined finely transparent, with 12–15 insect green long mm Adult: prey. its of remains the with itself camouflages which larva brown light long 8 mm to up bodied, Nymph: Thick groups. in rough or singly either stalks, thin long, Egg: Mallada signatus green – Lacewing Adult green Ekman) lacewing (J DESCRIPTION Whitish eggs laid on on laid eggs Whitish Slender, delicate pale Year round. mites. and thrips caterpillars, small aphids, of predators voracious are nymphs and insect: Beneficial MOST COMMON DAMAGE Adults Adults and active during the day. the during active and moving fast markings, black with yellow Bright Adult: long. toup 6mm reptilianand appearance, Larvae: Fungus Ekman) andadult (J eating ladybird larvae Illeis galbula eating fungus – Ladybird DESCRIPTION White with black dots dots black with White Late spring to autumn. spring Late infection. pathogen of indicator early an be Can eaten. be may also pollen and species fungal Other fungus. primarily mildew on powdery None: MOST COMMON DAMAGE

Nymphs and adults feed feed adults and Nymphs 31 INSECTS 32 INSECTS Minute two spottedMinute ladybird (L)and Transverse Ekman) ladybird (R) (J on their outer wing covers. stripes and spots distinctive with beetles shaped dome Adult: to long. up 6mm appearance, ‘crocodile like’ and markings Nymph: clusters. small in laid Egg: Coccinella transversa, Hippodamia variegata, Diomus notescens Diomus variegata, Hippodamia transversa, Coccinella predatory – Ladybird DESCRIPTION Upright yellow eggs, eggs, yellow Upright Brightly coloured, coloured, Brightly Black with coloured coloured with Black Late spring to autumn. spring Late a contamination risk. represent can larvae ladybird However, mites. and eggs moth thrips, aphids, of predators active are larvae and insect: Beneficial MOST COMMON DAMAGE Both adults adults Both

Transverse (top) andwhite ladybird collared Ekman) larvae ladybird (J 33 INSECTS 34 INSECTS disturbed. Tend on to feed disturbed. if awayJump quickly brown. mottled and green to yellowish from colour in ranging shaped, torpedo like tiny cicadas; Look Adult: sideways when disturbed. moving of Habit wingless. but Nymph: adult to the Similar surface. leaf the Egg: Family Cicadellidae Jassid / Leafhopper Spotted leafhopper (NSWDPI)&feeding damage (L Tesoriero NSW DPI) DESCRIPTION Tiny and laid under under laid and Tiny occasionally a major pest. amajor occasionally Warmer months, only leaves. the on patches whitish leaving and vigour reducing sap, plant suck lifestages All plants. host of range wide leaves a of of undersides the MOST COMMON DAMAGE andanadult fly.Leaf miner feeding Ekman) tunnels onrocket (J leaf causing egg, an laying before times leaves multiple may puncture Females long. mm 3–4 about fly black or grey Small Adult: to pupate. soil to the drop Mature larvae long. to up 3mm maggots yellow to creamy White Larvae: the leaf underside. into singly laid eggs Egg: Liriomyza brassicae brassica – Leafminer DESCRIPTION DAMAGE frass Small, round white white round Small,

attack this leaf miner. this leaf attack wasp parasitoid of species during early spring. Several especially rocket, and greens Asian leafy including brassicas of pest A major frass. of particles dark depositing leaves, the inside tunnels feeding obvious make increasingly larvae Developing spots. MOST COMMON 35 INSECTS 36 INSECTS fly about 3–4 mm long. mm 3–4 about fly Adult: the leaf underside. inside shallowly Pupates to long. up 5mm maggots to Cream yellow Larvae: tissue. leaf on into or singly laid eggs Small Egg: Chromatomyia syngenesiae cineraria – Leafminer and lettuce. Cineraria HFRI, Bugwood.org) leafminer feeding tunnels onsowthistle (G Csoka DESCRIPTION Small grey and black black and grey Small naturally by parasitoid wasps. by parasitoid naturally controlled Usually lettuce. on pest etc), occasional an only chrysanthemum (nasturtium, plants garden related and Commonly feeds on sowthistle unmarketable. them making surface, leaf lower or upper the linear mine tending to either anarrow, form larvae The MOST COMMON DAMAGE Leaf miner egglay into andfeeding spinach(SGrigg) tunnels (PRidland) feeding make winding larvae Developing spots. leaf causing egg, an laying before times leaves multiple may puncture Females long. mm 2 about fly yellow Adult: to pupate. soil to the drop Mature larvae long. to up 3mm maggots to Cream yellow Larvae: tissue. intoleaf the laid eggs Egg: Liriomyza chenopodii spinach – Leafminer DESCRIPTION DAMAGE Small, white, cylindrical cylindrical white, Small, Small black and and black Small

attack this leaf miner. this leaf attack wasp parasitoid of species Several Australia. southern in autumn early and spring in common Most chards. and spinach of pest A major leavesmaking unsaleable. leaves, the inside tunnels MOST COMMON 37 INSECTS 38 INSECTS in a tent over its body. atentin over its richly wings patterned held Adult: plant. to the attached Pupae: plants. host of range awide on openly feed and long mm 35–40 are larvae prolegs). central Mature no have(unlike they heliothis, with distinct looping motion caterpillars slender green dark Caterpillar: colour. in to yellow cream domes flattened leaf undersides. Ribbed, singly, on Laid usually Egg: Chrysodeixis spp. Looper Adult looper (PHampson, Bugwood.org) Ekman) andcaterpillar(J DESCRIPTION Stout moth with with Stout moth Dark brown, brown, Dark Light green to green Light Summer-autumn. can skeletonised. be in leaves,Holes leaves MOST COMMON DAMAGE feed from inside. from feed then webbing, with up leaves roll Caterpillars to up 10moth long. mm (male) markings brown with Adult: tunnel. leaf its from ejected if backwards wriggles Caterpillar to up 12to brown, long. mm grey-green Light Caterpillar: clusters. small in laid yellow, Flattened, Egg: Leafroller caterpillar andadults (NSWDPI) Merophyas divulsana Lucerne leafroller DAMAGE DESCRIPTION Light tan (female) or tan (female) tan tan or Light

late summer-autumn. during common most southeastern Queensland, in lettuce of apest Mainly MOST COMMON 39 INSECTS 40 INSECTS Penthaleus spp. Mite –blue oat (Vic DPI)andadult mite (LSchimming) Blue oat mites anddamage (Vic leaves young on to feed soil leaves it the daythe when of part cooler during Active disturbed. if quickly Moves back. the on mark red distinctive and legs red bright Adult: mature. as they hatching,after darkening immediately long mm 0.3 Nymph: plants. food of stems and roots on or surface soil the on 3-6 of clusters in Egg: DESCRIPTION DAMAGE Round, laid singly or or singly laid Round, Bluish black with 8 with black Bluish Pinkish orange, orange, Pinkish cool weather and rain. and weather cool by followed temperatures to high exposure after only hatch which laid, are eggs diapausing 20°C exceed year. maximums daily When the of part wet cool, the southern Queensland during Tasmania from to Widespread leaves. on patches whitish large causing surface, the damages Feeding shoots. and MOST COMMON much longer than the others. the than longer much are two front the which of legs orange-red eight green, olive Adult: eight in later instars. legs but developing six with initially red, Nymph: groups. small in or singly diameter, 0.2mm laid approx. measuring red, Round, Egg: Clover mite andmite damageonspinach leaves (SGrigg) spp. Bryobia Mite –clover DESCRIPTION Dark greyish orange or or orange greyish Dark Bright orange- Bright

found at any time of year. at of any time found be can but periods warm during active most crops, brassica and spinach on Found scarring of young leaves. and distortion causing surfaces, leaf upper the Tends on mainly to feed MOST COMMON DAMAGE 41 INSECTS 42 INSECTS Predatory mite Phyoseiulis persimilis (Bugwood.org (top) andM Talbot) biological control agent. asa used commonly most the Phtyoseiulus persimilis which of species, mite predatory of anumber are There Phytoseiulis persimilis predatory – Mite DESCRIPTION is is temperatures over 26°C. at rapidly Multiplies mite. spider bean and mite spotted two on mite: Beneficial mite. thanslightly pest larger moving, fast shaped, pear Adult: shaped. pear Nymph: Pale orange, egg. mite pest of size the double Egg: MOST COMMON DAMAGE Oval, orange tinged, Orange to reddish, to reddish, Orange Predatory Predatory in groups of up to up 30. of groups in feeds Generally legs. red bright with body black Completely bluish- Adult: matures. asit darkens long, mm 0.2 6legs, with Nymph: mites’female body. the within is retained egg a diapausing summer During debris during winter-spring. soil or stems lower on singly Egg: Redlegged earth mite (NSWDPI) earth Redlegged Halotydeus destructor Mite –redlegged earth mite DESCRIPTION Orange, minute, laid laid minute, Orange, Reddish pink pink Reddish

of the time in the soil. the in time the of most Spends Australia. of parts southern in summer to early autumn generally weather, wet Cool, hide. and ground the to drop will it disturbed If conditions. overcast in or morning the in feeds Mainly leaves. on patches whitish sap, resulting in large, release leaves to plant Lacerates MOST COMMON DAMAGE 43 INSECTS 44 INSECTS Rhizoglyphus spp. Rhizoglyphus /bulb crown spinach – Mite Spinach crown mite (S Rutgers PDL)anddamage (SGrigg) Tirpak, centre leaves at the expanding young, on mainly feed Mites legs. brown light and prominent long hairs with semitransparent are stages All 0.7 long. mm reach only and appearance are similar in adults and Nymphs &Adult: Nymph leaves. new in folds between eye (0.1 long), mm deposited naked the with visible barely semitransparent, Round, Egg: DESCRIPTION DAMAGE outbreaks in autumn. outbreaks is slow, occasional with growth plant when spring during occurs damage Most Victoria. southern and Tasmania in chard and spinach of apest Mainly spinach. of crops repeated for used if especially matter organic in rich soils and conditions Favoured wet by cool, deformed. and are stunted tissues Emerging plant. the of MOST COMMON red body and white legs. white and body red adark has form Overwintering body. its of side either spot olive dark alarge with long mm 0.5 around green, to yellow Whitish Adult: in overwintering form. tochanging orange bright Nymph: laid on leaf undersides. TranslucentEgg: white, Two spotted mites form overwintering (L,top), form normal withegg(R)(GSanMartin) Tetranychus urticae Mite –two spotted (J Ekman) and damage to rocket (J DESCRIPTION Translucent white, weather (25–30°C). weather dry hot, during Mainly become and twisted distorted. leaves to the and surface leaf the on speckling silvery causes Feeding webbing. fine in covered become areas These petiole. the near especially surfaces, leaf lower on colonies form Mites MOST COMMON DAMAGE

45 INSECTS 46 INSECTS emerged adult Cotesia glomerata, parasitoid ofcabbage white caterpillars(S Grigg) andpupae withnewly sp.,Diadegma Ekman) a parasitoid ofdiamondbackmoth (J or Telenomus) or species to larger (eg Trichogramma eggs moth inside eggs lay that their long 0.5mm than less wasps black Adult: aphids. and caterpillars of control for commercially sold are which of a number wasps, parasitoid of types many are different There Trichogramma spp. Parasitoid wasps DESCRIPTION Range in size from tiny from size in Range , Telenomus spp. , Diadegma spp. attack a range of species. species. of arange attack will others specific, host highly are parasitoids Some colours. of amixture or orange grey, or are black are others Diadromus). manyand While Netelia (eg Diadegma, pupae or caterpillars pest in eggs toup 18mm lay that their long or nymphs. One or many or One nymphs. or adults into aphid directly or butterflies, or moths pest of pupae or caterpillar eggs, inside eggs lay their females insect: Beneficial Telenomus sp. and Trichogramma sp. wasps laying into heliothis eggs(NSWDPI) Parasitised aphid ‘mummies’ Bugwood.org) (top) (NDimmock UniNorthampton, , DAMAGE DAMAGE The adult adult The

Any time of year. of Any time it. killing eventually host, their inside live larvae MOST COMMON 47 INSECTS 48 INSECTS (J Ekman) Plague soldier beetleadult(J Up to 15 long. mm wings. green metallic and bright orange abdomen Slender with beetle Adult: to up to ayear take mature. Larvae organisms. other and caterpillars young eggs, insect pupae, insect consume that carnivores are strict larvae segments, rounded distinct with dwelling, Soil Larvae: Chauliognathus lugubris beetle soldier Plague DESCRIPTION swarming are unknown. swarming of causes the mate, but to form periodically swarms Large Australia. southeastern in Summer significant contaminant issue. However, a be can pollen. and nectar with supplemented are which pests, other and eggs caterpillar aphids, on insect: Beneficial MOST COMMON DAMAGE Predatory Predatory when running or disturbed. or running when abdomen its curling of habit a has It agile. is very and run to fly, can prefers it beetle the body. Although its of part lower the across stripe thorax and wide orange red and with body orange-red head Black covers. wing its to tiny due of size beetle ant than large aor more Adult: (J Ekman) Rove beetle(J Paederus spp. Rove beetle DESCRIPTION Resembles an earwig an earwig Resembles actively during the day. the during actively hunt and areas to irrigated attracted are They places. moist around soil On as known irritation, skin extreme cause can This crushed. or damaged are they if is released atoxin which contain beetles However, insects. small various Predatory insect: Beneficial on MOST COMMON DAMAGE Paederus dermatitus

. 49 INSECTS 50 INSECTS Nysius vinitor bug Rutherglen Rutherglen bug (E Tubb, JEkman) hosts. preferred not are although vegetable crops sucking, sap through damage feeding some cause Can eyes. black and wings transparent with long 5mm about bugs grey Adult: not vegetable crops. species, weed of a range on feed mainly Nymphs wingless. and brown reddish Nymph: DESCRIPTION DAMAGE Slender, dark Pear shaped, Pear shaped, of fresh cut products. cut fresh of is issue contamination Main summer when other hosts during intoMoves vegetables safflower. and sorghum as sunflower, such crops field asin aswell species weed in spring during Multiplies Healthy andparasitised Rutherglen bugson Victorian lettuce (SGrigg) MOST COMMON by fungalinfection Rutherglen bugkilled

occurring fungal infection. fungal occurring by anaturally states southern in late summer during controlled May be numbers. large reach can it where unavailable, are 51 INSECTS 52 INSECTS Family Scatella flies Shore Shore flyadult (MSuvac)andpupa as they plants damage directly not do larvae and adults Both to drosophila. shape similar to long, up 2mm eyes, reddish and wings grey Adult: to long. 3mm up grow maggots brownish Pale, Larvae: surface. soil the on laid and long mm 0.4 Egg: DESCRIPTION DAMAGE White, oval, about about oval, White, Small black flies with with flies black Small greenhouses than field crops. field than greenhouses More commonly found in matter. organic of levels high and algae growing actively with areas damp to are attracted flies shore gnats, Like fungus issue. acontamination are and leaves plant on the (fly specks) excrement leavethey black However, microorganisms. soil and yeast algae, on feed MOST COMMON above ground species. ground above of apparatus springing the lack They semi-aquatic. and blind effectively are springtails inhabiting Soil long. mm 0.5-2 from size in ranging Semitransparent, Adult: and Nymph to up 50. of batches in soil 50 top of mm the within Egg: (L Du Toit, damage toSpringtail spinachroots (L WSU) Family Collembola Springtails DESCRIPTION Microscopic, laid laid Microscopic,

a particular pest of spinach. of pest a particular are They materials. organic in rich soils heavy with conditions Favoured wet by cool, may die. and wilts plant the blackened, or brown become can Roots scarring. extensive causing roots, plant on feed Springtails MOST COMMON DAMAGE 53 INSECTS 54 INSECTS wilt virus)wilt into crop. the (eg spotted tomato viruses of spread and transmission is their species thrips certain by caused potentially damage major The curling. to leaf leading cases severe in leaves, the of silvering causes Feeding held along their backs. are wings transparent 1–2 Narrow, long. mm approx. bodies thin with brown to dark Light Adult: generally <1 mm long. wingless, yellowish, Nymph: is required. magnification tiny —significant to size their due is difficult species thrips vegetables. Identification of in species pest main the are thrips flower western and thrips blossom thrips, plague thrips, onion thrips, of many are species there While Thrips tabaci, T. imaginis, Frankliniella schultzei, F. occidentalis Thrips – onion, plague, tomato, WFT APR, Bugwood.org) Western flower (PMJ thrips Ramakers DAMAGE DESCRIPTION Cream to to Cream pesticide resistance. pesticide for known is thrips flower Western seedlings. young of axis leaf the in as hiding well as shoots new prefer Thrips summer. mid-late in common most tomatothrips and WFT summer, early in common weather. are thrips Onion dry warm, during especially affected, may be ALL crops MOST COMMON

and M Mirnezhad Leiden Uni,Bugwood.org)and MMirnezhad Pinot, (top) INRAMontpellier Thrips damage onrocket andlettuce(Y (UniMass. Ext.) 55 INSECTS 56 INSECTS back and a prominant snout. aprominant and back the of middle the in mark V-shaped pale with long 8 mm about brown Mottled Adult: spring early in soil the in Pupates head. brown orange with grub greenish or creamy yellow long, Larvae: autumn. in litter surface Egg: Listroderes difficilis Weevil –vegetable and (right) adult(DAFWA) Vegetable (SLearmonth DAFWA) weevil larvae on wombok (A Ryland) , larvae DESCRIPTION Pale, laid in soil soil in laid Pale, Upto 12 mm behind head Brown plate infestations can kill seedlings. kill can infestations Heavy saleability. and plant appearance affects but superficial is generally damage pest, minor Usually at night. and evening the leaves during in holes rounded distinctive chew adults and Larvae DAMAGE

soil during summer. during soil the in inactive are Adults spring. in as adults emerging winter,autumn and during present are Larvae young larvae (SGrigg) young larvae inpakchoy NCState (DRoos Uni) andspinach leafdamagewith Larvae MOST COMMON 57 INSECTS 58 INSECTS Naupactus leucolomaNaupactus Weevil –white fringed (S Hinkley &K adult weevilWalker, (SHinkley Museum Vic) withfeedingWhite weevil damage to fringed lettuce larvae roots and (SGrigg) eat they where soil the in 5–15 live Larvae deep cm distances. long walk but fly cannot Adults long. Upto 12 snout. mm short a and band side white with Adult: to up 13mandibles, long. mm black and head brown with Larvae: stems. plant lower or litter ground in clumps gelatinous Egg: DESCRIPTION DAMAGE Pale yellow, Pale sticky, in laid Grey-brown striped striped Grey-brown Whitish C-shaped Whitish grub eggs without mating. laysummer. can Females in emerge adults to spring, autumn during active are Larvae roots. plant vegetable attack will crop susceptible a following soil the in However, remaining larvae aslucerne. such legumes and potatoes of apest Mainly damage. major cause rarely leaves but lower on feed Adults roots. plant MOST COMMON noise if placed upside down. upside placed if noise aclicking with itself right to ability to its due beetle’ as‘click known Commonly wing covers. ridged finely with beetle shaped torpedo black, grey, Dark or brown Adult: edge. aserrated with forked may be and to reddish brown is also tail The mandibles. large with equipped head to reddish body. Brown segmented distinctly asmooth, with coloured creamy larvae, flattened Cylindrical slightly or Larvae: crevices. small in or surface soil the on batches in Laid Egg: (M Bertone) Wireworm (MBertone) larvae Family Elateridae Wireworm DESCRIPTION

in cooler temperatures. temperatures. cooler in or irrigation after re-appear may but conditions dry under into soil the deeper burrow They at risk. are particularly Transplants soil. 5cm of top the in roots on feed they when autumn, and summer during damage cause mainly weedy. Larvae or mulches to planted recently fields in aproblem often Most roots. plant on feed they where soil the in live Larvae MOST COMMON DAMAGE 59 INSECTS INSECTS 61

Diseases

DISEASES 60 62 DISEASES to give a ‘shot hole’ effect. to a‘shot give hole’ out falling eventually papery, become and dry they age lesions the As lesions. the of centres the in develop spores black Fine halo. by ayellow sunkenand centre, surrounded margins distinct with spots spreading to grey black Dark Alternaria spp. Alternaria Target / spot leaf spot Alternaria (Ontario MAF) leaf spotonmizuna(Ontario Alternaria SYMPTOMS generally uncommon. but debris, plant in survive and borne seed be Can stressed. are plants if especially conditions, Moist brassicas. leafy and Lettuce FAVOURED BY FAVOURED AFFECTED CROPS outer border of the lesions. the of border outer the on develop eventually (setae) spines Tiny, dark, papery. and thin becoming tissues with brown, light turn lesions Older develop. as they diameter in grow which lesions soaked water circular Small, (J Damicone(L)L Anthracnose onspinach (J Tesoriero NSWDPI) dematium Colletotrichum spinach – Anthracnose SYMPTOMS

conditions (10conditions –20°C). cool hours, afew than more for wet Leaves remaining Spinach. FAVOURED BY FAVOURED AFFECTED CROPS 63 DISEASES 64 DISEASES in late winter and spring. and latein winter more. Most commonly occurs or 8hours for wet remain (15–18°C), leaves where conditions Damp, cool Lettuce papery. and brown light becoming centres the together, join and grow These midribs. leaf on initially oval lesions, developing often to circular brownish Small, Microdochium panattonianum Microdochium lettuce – Anthracnose Anthracnose onlettuce seedlingandgreen coral lettuce (SGrigg) FAVOURED BY FAVOURED AFFECTED CROPS SYMPTOMS edge or yellow halo. adark with often veins, leaf the between develop lesions Brownish, angular Bacterial leafspoton rocket (L Bacterial Tesoriero NSW DPI) Pseudomonas spp. brassicas – spot leaf Bacterial SYMPTOMS , Xanthomonas spp. , Xanthomonas

Moderately uncommon. crops. ALL brassica FAVOURED BY FAVOURED AFFECTED CROPS 65 DISEASES 66 DISEASES dark edge or yellow halo. yellow or edge dark a with sometimes veins, leaf lesions develop the between water-soaked angular Dark, Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. vitians, X. hortorum pv. vitians hortorum pv. X. vitians, axonopodis Xanthomonas Bacterial leaf spot –lettuce Bacterial spotonlettuce (L Bacterial Tesoriero NSWDPI(top), SGrigg) SYMPTOMS Moderately uncommon. Lettuce. FAVOURED BY FAVOURED AFFECTED CROPS Asian leafy, lettuce. smell. unpleasant an with often leaves, and Wet, slimy stems of rot Bacterial soft rot incoral soft lettuceBacterial (SGrigg) carotovorum Pectobacterium rot soft Bacterial CROPS AFFECTED CROPS SYMPTOMS

physical (eg damage pest). other following infection asasecondary Common conditions. Warm, wet FAVOURED BY FAVOURED 67 DISEASES 68 DISEASES within the necrotic area. necrotic the within blackened Veins become inwards. progressing but initially edges leaf the on usually lesions, to brown yellow bright shaped ‘V’ Roughly Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris Black rot /Bacterial leaf spot Black rot on brassica seedlings (L Tesoriero NSWDPI) SYMPTOMS equipment or water splash. water or equipment by acrop through spreads also borne, seed be Can conditions. Warm, humid Brassicas. FAVOURED BY FAVOURED AFFECTED CROPS

Warm, humid weather.Warm, humid chards. Spinach, “shot appearance. hole” a giving out, fall eventually may These ashy centres. grey with spots to circular expand borders reddish with flecks brown-black or red Small (J Ekman) andbeet (S Grigg) Cercospora Ekman) leafspotonchard (J spp. Cercospora spot leaf Cercospora FAVOURED BY FAVOURED AFFECTED CROPS SYMPTOMS 69 DISEASES 70 DISEASES spores develop in older spots. older in develop spores green Dark progresses. disease as the number in multiply colour. in to tan white Spots margins, distinct with diameter <5 mm spot leaf sunken Small, Cladosporium variabile Cladosporium Cladosporium spot leaf Cladosporum leafspotonspinach (Ldu Toit WSU) SYMPTOMS Disease is borne. seed humidity. high with (10–20°C) conditions Cool chards. Spinach, FAVOURED BY FAVOURED AFFECTED CROPS Clubroot on rocket (SGrigg) (pH<7.0) acidic wet, with soil. Warm combined temperatures kale. rocket, leafy, Asian die. will plant the eventually and nutrients, and water up take to effectively unable are roots Infected growth. have and vigour stunted lack days, hot on particularly to wilt, tend Plants root. tap the particularly roots, the of thickening and Distortion Plasmodiophora brassicae Clubroot SYMPTOMS FAVOURED BY FAVOURED AFFECTED CROPS

and rotating crop types. crop rotating and over 7.0, drainage improving pH to raise soil liming varieties, resistant involves using management disease so cure, is no There trash. plant within and water,in machinery on spread easily are and years several for soil the in persist can Spores 5years. previous the site within the on observed been has clubroot if especially at risk, most are soil into heavy seeded direct are which Crops 71 DISEASES 72 DISEASES weather and uneven growth. warm during wilting stunting, include symptoms ground Above examined. when easily off breaking reduced, are roots Feeder and non-functioning. brown become can taproot entire the and surface root the on develop areas swollen rough, and Cracks brown. greenish turn and enlarge gradually which roots, the on Yellowish appear patches corky root symptomscorky (L Tesoriero, NSWDPI). Clubroot rocket field(opp) (SGrigg) root affected (L)andcorky Normal (R)lettuce seedlings(MTitley) andcloseup of Rhizomonas suberifaciens root Corky SYMPTOMS

fertilisers increase disease. increase fertilisers to nitrogenous due levels nitrate soil High conditions. (over warm 20°C) under seeded direct if especially varieties, lettuce susceptible Continual cropping with Lettuce. FAVOURED BY FAVOURED AFFECTED CROPS 73 DISEASES 74 DISEASES above the infection (especially (especially infection the above system root the of branching excess in resulting sometimes junction, soil the near root, tap the of part upper the soaked lesions appear on Water wilted. and yellowing are stunted, seedlings and is poor emergence crop germinate, do seeds If coat. seed the within rotting gelatinous brown, cause can dampingPre-emergence, off Pythium spp. Pythium off Damping Damping off ofspinachdue Pythium (ETubb)to SYMPTOMS , Aphanomyces spp. , Phytophthora spp. , Phytophthora spores or in plant trash. plant in or spores asresting either periods, extended for soil the in can survive off damping for responsible fungi various The conditions. Wet soil All. die. and collapse over or fall to tend Seedlings Pythium). FAVOURED BY FAVOURED AFFECTED CROPS

Collapse ofspinachseedlings (top) andbrown decay at (SGrigg) theroot/shoot junction 75 DISEASES 76 DISEASES vascular tissues turn black. turn tissues vascular and Roots dies. eventually and colour loses foliage seedlings, of wilting General Fusarium oxysporum wilt fusarium – off Damping Fusarium wiltofspinach (L Tesoriero NSW DPI(top), Ldu Toit WSU) SYMPTOMS organic matter.organic in low soils Acidic Spinach. FAVOURED BY FAVOURED AFFECTED CROPS Asian leafy, rocket, spinach. rocket, leafy, Asian structures).(hard resting as sclerotia or debris plant on periods long survive can and Rhizoctonia off, damping of causes other Like area. diseased the below from shoots new out send may seedlings advanced More collapse. and wilt Plants emerge. seedlings after soon junction soil the near develop margin defined a sharply with cankers sunken Dry, Damping off ofspinachdue to wire stem (SGrigg) solani Rhizoctonia Damping off – wire stem CROPS AFFECTED CROPS SYMPTOMS is common in soil soil in is common

or insect damage. insect or transplanting conditions, windy eg level, at soil damage physical with combined if especially Warm soils wet FAVOURED BY FAVOURED 77 DISEASES 78 DISEASES leaves become puckered and and puckered leaves become cotyledon of surfaces upper The age. with brown turning leaves, of undersides the on whitishSoft mould develops surfaces. upper leaf the on to appear start areas yellowish or bleached stages, early the In Peronospora spp. Peronospora brassicas – mildew Downy Downy mildewontatsoi androcket (SGrigg) SYMPTOMS Cool, moist conditions. rocket. leafy, Asian on more mature leaves. develops speckling angular black, sunken, while speckled, FAVOURED BY FAVOURED AFFECTED CROPS turning brown with age. with brown turning leaves, of undersides the grey mould develops on bluish Soft, veins. leaf the appear, between mainly areas yellow Initially, mottled, andadvanced (SGrigg) Ekman) Downy (J mildewonspinach early f. spinaciaesp. farinosa Peronospora spinach – Downy mildew SYMPTOMS

free water on the leaves. the on water free (10–20°C)Cool conditions, chard. Spinach, FAVOURED BY FAVOURED AFFECTED CROPS 79 DISEASES 80 DISEASES wilts and eventually dies. eventually and wilts plant The stems. lower and leaves on mould grey fluffy of by development followed Water-soaked quickly rot Botrytis cinerea Botrytis mouldGrey Grey mould oncos seedlings(LTesoriero) Foulkes) lettuce (J andoakleaf SYMPTOMS A common postharvest disease. postharvest A common conditions. damp Cool, All. FAVOURED BY FAVOURED AFFECTED CROPS survive on crop residues. crop on survive and borne seed be Can margins. yellow thin very leaves, sometimes with on develop speckling and spots shaped irregularly to purple black Small, Peppery spotonwombok (L Tesoriero NSWDPI) Pseudomonas syringae pv. maculicola spot leaf Peppery SYMPTOMS

leaves remain wet. leaves remain if especially conditions, damp cold, Prolonged kale. rocket, leafy, Asian FAVOURED BY FAVOURED AFFECTED CROPS 81 DISEASES 82 DISEASES and plants wilt and collapse. and wilt plants and bases, stem and petioles leaf on develop can rot centre. Dry its in pronounced more but spots leaf over the scattered (spores) are specks black Small leaves. older the on mainly to diameter, up in 2cm spots, towhite-brown oval Round Phoma lingam (asexual form of Leptosphaeria maculans) Leptosphaeria of form (asexual lingam Phoma spot Phoma leaf Phoma leaf spot(L Tesoriero NSWDPI) SYMPTOMS and, potentially,and, insects. debris, irrigation water crop rain, by wind, spread be can Spores infection. for Wet leaves required are 15–20°C. of temperatures and humidity relative High leafy. Asian Mainly FAVOURED BY FAVOURED AFFECTED CROPS on the lower leaf surface. leaf lower the on also Occasionally leaves. older particularly stems, and leaves of surface upper the on mould powdery white, of patches shaped Irregularly (L Powdery mildewontatsoi andkale (HJJee) Tesoriero NSWDPI) cruciferarum Erysiphe mildew Powdery SYMPTOMS

Uncommon on babyleaf crops. conditions. Warm, dry chard. kale, rocket, leafy, Asian FAVOURED BY FAVOURED AFFECTED CROPS 83 DISEASES 84 DISEASES becomes visible above ground. and stem the of area basal the into spreads rot the Sometimes plant. whole the affects eventually but leaves, older the in occurs initially collapse and Wilting mature plants. affecting off, but damping to similar are symptoms resulting The organisms. different of by acomplex caused often are rots Root Pythium spp. Pythium rot Root Root rotRoot onspinach (L Tesoriero NSW DPI) SYMPTOMS , Aphanomyces spp. , Phytophthora spp. , Phytophthora conditions, others by wet. by others conditions, by dry favoured are complex present; some species the on depending conditions of A variety susceptible. particularly is spinach But All. FAVOURED BY FAVOURED AFFECTED CROPS , Fusarium spp. , Fusarium

with lack of crop rotation. crop of lack with Associated environments. within protected cropping flies shore and gnats fungus by spread >5.6.pH Reportedly soil <20°C, temperatures Soil leafy. Asian Lettuce, tissue. vascular the in reveals blackening base leaf the across Cutting growth. resulting in stunted roots, the on develop lesions to black red Long Black root rot (L Tesoriero NSWDPI(L),INRA) Thielaviopsis basicola (syn. Chalara elegans) Root rot –black FAVOURED BY FAVOURED AFFECTED CROPS SYMPTOMS 85 DISEASES 86 DISEASES causing the head to collapse. head the causing develop often rots soft Secondary liquid. brownish may ooze tissue. Lesions stem leaves and internal to rapidly,grow spreading These soil. the with contact in areas and midribs the on appear lesions brown sunken Small, leaves. outer the of are wilting symptoms Initial Rhizoctonia solani Rhizoctonia rot bottom – rot Root Bottom rot oflettuce (L Tesoriero NSW DPI) SYMPTOMS damping off in seedlings. in off damping causes also fungus This matter. organic in high are and/or which affected previously soils in to reoccur is likely rot bottom so soil, fallow in periods extended survive can fungus The Warm (>25°C), weather. moist varieties. upright less and season early particularly Lettuces, FAVOURED BY FAVOURED AFFECTED CROPS Septoria spotonlettuceSeptoria (L Tesoriero NSWDPI) water in spread Usually Cool, moist conditions. Lettuce. lesions. the on scattered (spores) dots tiny black with papery and brown turn These leaves. outer on the first appearing veins, by the delimited spots leaf yellow Angular Septoria lactucae spot leaf Septoria SYMPTOMS FAVOURED BY FAVOURED AFFECTED CROPS

debris and weed species. weed and debris crop on survive can Spores by seed. occasionally but 87 DISEASES 88 DISEASES as the disease progresses. progresses. disease as the papery become centre and the light in turn enlarge, brown These spots. sunken green grey- to oval circular Small, Stemphylium botryosum f. spinaciasp. botryosum Stemphylium spinach – spot Stemphylium leaf Stemphylium leafspoton spinach(LDu Toit WSU, L Tesoriero NSW DPI) SYMPTOMS Seedborne disease. humidity. high with combined Warm (15-28°C) weather, Spinach. FAVOURED BY FAVOURED AFFECTED CROPS with a darker brown halo. brown adarker with sunken papery and becoming multiply, and enlarge (1-2mm spots soaked diameter) Tiny, leaves. outer water on the first appears Usually Stemphylium leafspoton lettuce (L Tesoriero NSW DPI) Stemphylium botryosum Stemphylium leaf spot –lettuce SYMPTOMS f.sp. lactucum Warm conditions (25–30 Lettuce. at less than 13 than at less develop cannot fungus The humidity. saturation to close leaves and wet FAVOURED BY FAVOURED AFFECTED CROPS o C.

o

C), C), 89 DISEASES 90 DISEASES Alfalfa mosaic, Cucumber mosaic (CMV) Tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV), (TSWV), virus wilt Tomato (CMV) spotted mosaic Cucumber mosaic, Alfalfa Virus –Mosaic Lettuce necrotic yellows virus(L Tesoriero NSWDPI) (such asCMV Others hosts. have specific viruses Some LNYV. and TSWV with infected when die,and particularly may wilt Plants distorted. and bunched appear can shoots young and are stunted Plants leaves. on spots ring or mosaic mottling, General SYMPTOMS CROPS AFFECTED CROPS into crops during dry weather. dry during into crops move and weeds in up build of vectors commonly insect Populations seed. by infected spreads also LMV by thrips. is spread which TSWV except by aphids, spread Often weeds. and crops of range wide a affect TSWV) and FAVOURED BY FAVOURED

Turnip mosaicvirusonleafy brassicas (L Tesoriero NSW DPI) Tomato spotted wiltvirusonlettuce (L Tesoriero NSWDPI) etc (LNYV) yellows necrotic Lettuce (LMV), virus mosaic Lettuce 91 DISEASES 92 DISEASES range of conditions. develop under a wide weather. Humid Will spinach. rocket, leafy, Asian distortion. leaf cause can and blister-like and lesions become powdery smooth, Initially leaves. of mainly on the undersides appear, spots white Raised Albugo candida White blister /white rust (J Damicone)androcketWhite blister onspinach (J FAVOURED BY FAVOURED AFFECTED CROPS SYMPTOMS may yellow and drop off. drop and may yellow leaves infected die; heavily may Seedlings leaves. on to up 1cm spots diameter papery pale, of numbers Large White leafspotonbuk choy seedling(L Tesoriero NSW DPI) capsellae Pseudocercosporella spot leaf White SYMPTOMS

borne or spread by wind. seed be Can conditions. (10-15°C),Cool wet kale. rocket, leafy, Asian FAVOURED BY FAVOURED AFFECTED CROPS 93 DISEASES 94 DISEASES

Disorders 95 DISEASES Blindness Calcium deficiency – tipburn DISORDERS SYMPTOMS CAUSED BY SYMPTOMS CAUSED BY Usually visible on seedlings Unknown. Generally a Browning of the leaf margins, Occasionally related to on the 3rd – 4th true leaf, more frequent problem particularly the inner leaves, soil deficiency, but more which is thickened, stunted in transplant lettuce than which become dry and papery. often caused by the plant and distorted. Subsequent direct seeded crops and Affected leaves fail to develop growing faster than calcium DISORDERS growth is reduced, with lettuce in summer rather than properly and have a cupped can move from the roots to failing to develop hearting winter. May be caused by a appearance. Damaged areas the growing tips. Tipburn is leaves or normal shape. combination of environmental are prone to other diseases most frequent during humid and agronomic factors. and have shortened shelf life. summer weather, when CROPS AFFECTED development is rapid but CROPS AFFECTED Lettuce. evaporation and, therefore, Lettuce. water movement through the plant is reduced. Particularly affects the inner leaves.

Blind lettuce seedling (E Tubb) Tipburn in lettuce (S Grigg) 96 97 Cold damage Copper toxicity DISORDERS SYMPTOMS CAUSED BY SYMPTOMS CROPS AFFECTED Germination appears patchy, Cold temperatures during Small, light brown spots Lettuce. plants lack vigour and leaves crop establishment and early appear, mainly along the leaf CAUSED BY may yellow or develop atypical growth. Soil temperatures veins. These increase and colours. Symptoms may vary of 10-20°C are optimum for darken as symptoms progress. Copper sprays. DISORDERS across a crop even when all spinach. During germination other factors are the same, plants are highly sensitive especially where plantings to temperatures higher have been successive. or lower than this and may fail to emerge or CROPS AFFECTED have reduced vigour. Mainly spinach.

Normal spinach (L) and cold-damaged plant (R) (M Titley) Copper toxicity on lettuce (S Grigg) 98 99 Fertiliser burn – lettuce Fertiliser burn – urea DISORDERS SYMPTOMS CAUSED BY SYMPTOMS CAUSED BY Dark or blackened necrotic Application of post- Bleached, papery areas Application of foliar urea at areas appear and expand in transplant fertiliser after develop on outer edges and too high a concentration or the leaf bases. Leaves can wilt, more than 4 leaves have exposed areas of leaves. with incorrectly calibrated become chloritic and die. started to develop. Fertilser spray equipment.

DISORDERS CROPS AFFECTED granules become trapped CROPS AFFECTED in the leaf bases, where All. Lettuce. they burn the plant tissue.

Fertiliser granules and burn on lettuce (S Grigg) Fertiliser burn caused by urea application to spinach (M Titley) 100 101 Frost damage – permanent Frost damage – recoverable DISORDERS SYMPTOMS SYMPTOMS CROPS AFFECTED Leaves become bubbled Smallish water-soaked spots All. and distorted and necrotic and diffuse areas appear on CAUSED BY areas develop. Large leaves. If water-soaked areas water-soaked areas may affect larger, solid areas then Frost—symptoms generally DISORDERS appear if injury is severe. plant may not recover. dissipate within a few hours of damage ocurring. CROPS AFFECTED All. CAUSED BY Frost settling on leaves for an extended period— tolerance varies between species and varieties.

Frost injury on rocket and butter lettuce (S Grigg) Non-permanent frost damage on lettuce seedlings (S Grigg) 102 103 Guttation Hail damage DISORDERS SYMPTOMS FAVOURED BY SYMPTOMS CROPS AFFECTED Droplets of water (xylem High soil moisture combined Physical scarring and All. sap) appear around the leaf with high relative humidity. spotting of leaves. Light CAUSED BY edges. As these dry, tiny salt Guttation is the result of water hail damage can resemble a deposits are left. These tiny, pressure building up in the leaf spotting disease, but is Light hail. Severe hail will DISORDERS white deposits can resemble plant roots, usually overnight non-progressive. Although result in complete crop loss. insect eggs or fertiliser/ when stomata are closed. edibility is unaffected, pesticide contamination. This pressure forces xylem appearance is less attractive. sap out through structures on CROPS AFFECTED the leaf edges (hydathodes), Mostly spinach. forming droplets.

Guttation on spinach leaf (S Grigg) Light hail damage on spinach (S Grigg) 104 105 Herbicide damage DISORDERS SYMPTOMS CROPS AFFECTED distorted Variable symptoms. Pre- All. cotyledon emergent herbicide CAUSED BY applications can cause the cotyledons to become Potential causes include DISORDERS thickened, twisted and contamination of the spray bent distorted. Post-emergent tank due to insufficient cotyledon applications can result in cleaning, inappropriate herbicide selection and inrolling and distortion of Herbicide damage to spinach and beet cotyledons (S Grigg) and below, stunting of the first true leaves. Other application of a normally spinach seedling (R) compared to normal plant (L) (M Titley) symptoms include the non-damaging herbicide appearance of bleached, to a crop previously treated chlorotic patches on the with a wetting agent. leaves, especially on the leaf margins and stunted growth.

Herbicide damage to pak choy (above) (S Grigg) and lettuce (L) (J Ekman)

Herbicide damage to rocket (S Grigg) 106 107 Nitrogen Deficiency Oedema DISORDERS SYMPTOMS SYMPTOMS CAUSED BY Plants are pale and chloritic soil. Incorporation of high Blistering on the underside of Excess water in the root and growth is reduced. Older carbon soil amendments the leaf develops into small, zone combined with high leaves in particular may yellow such as straw can lock up brown, corky growths. These humidity and low air and die off prematurely. Red or available nitrogen in the soil. darken and harden with temperatures. Pressure DISORDERS purplish colours can develop in age, sometimes spreading builds up inside the internal the paler than normal leaves. to petioles and stems. cells, eventually causing them to blister and burst. CAUSED BY CROPS AFFECTED Nitrogen is required in Asian leafy, spinach. relatively large amounts for maximum growth. However, it is easily leached, especially from sandy soils low in organic matter. Waterlogging and surface fertiliser application promote release of nitrogen as gas, removing it from the

Nitrogen deficiency on pak choy and tatsoi (S Parks NSW DPI) Blistering caused by oedemas on spinach (L Tesoriero, NSW DPI) 108 109 Old seed Pesticide damage DISORDERS SYMPTOMS CROPS AFFECTED SYMPTOMS CAUSED BY Seeds germinate but Spinach, chard. Older seedling leaves have Seedlings which have been cotyledons fail to develop bleached or yellowed margins. drenched in pre-planting FAVOURED BY normally, with variable rates New growth is fully green. systemic pesticide have of germination and growth Seeds have been stored too remained for an extended

DISORDERS CROPS AFFECTED through the crop. Seedlings long before use, with the period in their seedling trays lack vigour and are slow to result that their carbohydrate All. before planting. New growth grow past the cotyledon stage. reserves are reduced. recovers and is normal.

Patchy growth due to old seed being used in tatsoi (M Titley) Pesticide drench damage due to delayed transplanting 110 111 Phosphorus deficiency Waterlogging DISORDERS SYMPTOMS CAUSED BY SYMPTOMS CROPS AFFECTED Poor growth, older leaves (or Cold weather, which limits Roots develop on the tops All. cotyledons in seedlings) turn phosphorus uptake by of beds. Leaves become FAVOURED BY bluish green or purple. Stems the plant, especially if yellow due to inhibition of thin, liable to breakage. combined with low pH nitrogen uptake. Plants can Heavy soils, prolonged DISORDERS and low levels of available become red or purplish. rainfall, poor drainage. CROPS AFFECTED phosphorus in the soil. Rocket, Asian leafy.

Phosphorus deficiency (S Grigg) Poor development associated with waterlogged soil (J Ekman) 112 113 Wind damage – lettuce

SYMPTOMS CAUSED BY Plants are stunted and wilt Strong winds which whip the during the day; eventually plant around, abrading the they may fall over and die. crown. The plant becomes pinched and collapses near

DISORDERS CROPS AFFECTED the junction with the soil Mainly transplanted lettuce surface. In some cases it will seedlings, such as cos. be completely “ringbarked” and will die. Abrasion also creates a potential entry point for soil pathogens.

Wind damaged lettuce (S Grigg) 114