Pests, Diseases and Disorders of Brassica 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 Horticulture Australia Ltd. Acknowledgements National Library of Australia Cataloguing-in-Publication entry Authors: Jenny Ekman, Len Tesoriero and Stuart Grigg. This project was made possible by funding from Title: Pests, Diseases and Disorders of Brassica Vegetables: A Field Horticulture Australia Ltd using the national vegetable Identification Guide. levy and matched funds from the Australian Government. ISBN: 978-0-9925251-1-8 Subjects: Brassica−Diseases and pests−Australia−Identification. Production of the guide would not have been possible without Other authors/Contributors: the generous assistance of fellow researchers, agronomists, Applied Horticultural Research, New South Wales Department of extension officers and interested amateur photographers who Primary Industries, AgHort Consulting, Department of Agriculture have allowed us to use photographs from their collections. and Food Western Australia. Dewey number: 635.3 Special thanks are due to;

This project has been funded by Horticulture Australia Ltd using the vegetable levy Sandra McDougall, Valerie Draper, Tony Napier and matched funds from the Australian Government. and Lowan Turton — NSW DPI

Guide produced by Applied Horticultural Research. Rachel Lancaster, Stewart Learmonth — DAFWA Designed by Noel Wendtman Design. Moazzem Khan, John Duff — QDAFF Disclaimer Rob Dimsey — DEPI Vic Every care has been taken in the preparation of this publication to ensure information is accurate. Care has also been taken that all photographs are used appropriately, cited correctly and with Adam Broadley — DAFF permission where needed. The information contained therefore represents the authors’ best Andy Ryland knowledge and understanding at the time of writing (May 2014). However, users are reminded to ensure that information on which they rely is up to date and to check Mike Titley its currency and accuracy with qualified advisors. In addition, the authors take no responsibility for the correctness or reliability of information included in this document that has been provided by third parties. Helena Whitman — VGA Victoria Any recommendations contained in this publication do not necessarily represent current Horticulture Niroshini Gunasinghe 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, Paul De Barro — CSIRO independent professional advice in respect of the matters set out in this publication. CONTENTS

PESTS AND BENEFICIALS DISEASES African black beetle 2 Leafhopper/Jassid 36 Alternaria leaf spot/Target spot 66 Peppery leaf spot 84 Aphid – cabbage 4 Leafminer 37 Anthracnose 68 Phoma leaf spot 85 Aphid – green peach 6 Looper 38 Bacterial leaf spot 69 Powdery mildew 86 Aphid – turnip 8 Mite – blue oat 39 Bacterial rot – head 70 Ring spot 87 Cabbage centre grub 9 Mite – predatory 40 Bacterial rot – soft 72 Root rot – black 88 Cabbage cluster caterpillar 10 Mite – redlegged earth 41 Black leg 73 Virus – Mosaic 90 Cabbage white butterfly 12 Mite – two spotted 42 Black rot / Bacterial leaf spot 74 White blister/white rust 92 Cluster caterpillar/Tropical Onion maggot/Seedcorn Clubroot 76 White leaf spot 94 armyworm 14 maggot 43 Damping off 78 White mould/ sclerotinia 96 Cutworm 16 Parasitoid wasps 44 Downy mildew 80 Wire stem 98 Damsel bug 19 Plague soldier beetle 46 Fusarium wilt/Cabbage yellows 82 Diamondback moth 20 Root knot nematode 47 False wireworm/Vegetable Rove beetle 48 beetle 22 Rutherglen bug 49 DISORDERS Flea beetle 23 Shore flies 51 Boron deficiency/hollow stem 102 Molybdenum deficiency 114 Fungus gnats 24 Silverleaf whitefly 52 Calcium deficiency – tipburn 104 Nitrogen deficiency 115 Green mirid 25 Springtails 54 Chocolate spot (cauliflower) 105 Oedema 116 Green vegetable bug 26 Staphylinid beetle 55 Cold damage/purpling Old seed 117 Ground beetle 27 Thrips – onion, western flower 56 (broccoli) 106 Pepper spot / black speck 118 Heliothis/Native budworm 28 Weevil – apple 58 Curd discolouration 107 Phosphorus deficiency 119 Hoverfly 30 Weevil – small lucerne 59 Fertiliser burn 108 Potassium deficiency 120 Lacewing – brown 31 Weevil – spotted vegetable 60 Frost damage 109 Riciness (cauliflower) 121 Lacewing – green 32 Weevil – vegetable 61 Herbicide damage 110 Salt burn 122 Ladybird – fungus eating 33 Weevil – white fringed 62 Magnesium deficiency 112 Warm weather syndrome 123 Ladybird – predatory 34 Wireworm 63 Manganese toxicity 113 Waterlogging 124 Pests and Beneficials 2 PESTS & BENEFICIALS brown, strongly indented and Pupae: tinge. grey adark has sometimes end rear The 6legs. and head brown light with long to up 30mm grub Larvae: into soil. the laid Egg: Heteronychus arator beetle black African Larvae of black beetle larvae, also known as alsoknown ofblackbeetle larvae, Larvae ‘curl grubs’ Ekman) (J DESCRIPTION Small, round, white, white, round, Small, Golden to reddish to reddish Golden Whitish C-shaped Whitish late March to April. late March in spring but more commonly sometimes flights, dispersal mass undertake adults - flier Astrong digging. for adapted 10-15mm are Legs long. around beetle stout-bodied Shiny,Adult: to black, reddish in soil. the found shaped, dry spring and summer. and spring dry by awarm, followed rainfall WA.of Favoured by winter region western south and Qld to south-east Victoria from extending areas coastal mainly summer, early and Spring seedlings. ringbarking and plants of bases the by chewing damage major cause can Adults plants. small killing potentially and growth reducing roots, plant on feed Larvae (J Ekman) (J Pupae ofblack beetlelarvae MOST COMMON DAMAGE

Adult beetle(PADIL) 3 BENEFICIALS & PESTS 4 PESTS & BENEFICIALS Distorted leavesDistorted ofcauliflower due to cabbageaphidinfestation (RLancaster DAFWA) 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 temperatures are moderate. are temperatures when autumn and spring in to peak tend numbers brassicas, leafy of apest Mainly potential contamination issue. a Also to brassicas. virus mosaic cauliflower spread Can distorted. and stunted become leaves which youngest the Can form large colonies on MOST COMMON DAMAGE

wingless adults (SWilliams) Adults, nymphs, parasitised ‘mummies’ (top, andcabbage aphid S Grigg) 5 BENEFICIALS & PESTS 6 PESTS & BENEFICIALS 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: Myzus persicae Myzus Aphid –green peach Green peach aphidnymphs (A Ryland) DESCRIPTION Wingless adults are pale pale are adults Wingless Varies from Varies from can kill young plants. young kill can infestations Large viruses. many for asavector acts potentially and product contaminates the feeding, through distortion leaf Causes DAMAGE on a wide range of host plants. host of range awide on months warmer during Found MOST COMMON (S BauerUSDA ARS) and winged adult (EE NelsonBugwood.org) Green peachaphids

7 BENEFICIALS & PESTS 8 PESTS & BENEFICIALS Turnip aphids(L Turton, NSWDPI) Lipaphis erysimi Lipaphis turnip – Aphid the undersides of leaves of undersides the and flowers infest Aphids the thorax and head. on patches adark with greenish are females Winged under humid conditions. appearance—especially waxy a with sometimes and green to olive yellowish long, 2–4mm are adults Wingless Adult: size changing. only with similar appear stages All green. Nymph: DESCRIPTION DAMAGE Yellowish to olive moderate temperatures. and conditions by dry Favoured autumn. and spring in peak Numbers issue. contamination potential a are and many viruses spread Turnip potentially can aphids stunted. may be growth yellow. and Plant curled to become them causing leaves) older (particularly MOST COMMON (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 BENEFICIALS & PESTS 10 PESTS & BENEFICIALS Hunter ofPhotography) Region School Newly emerged caterpillars (top) (MFurlong DAFWA) andmature caterpillar ( L Finn, found in the soil. the in found brown, Golden Pupae: their development. throughout in groups feed they caterpillars cluster Unlike mature. when long grow.as they Upto mm 25 stripes cream and yellow with greenish becoming small, when heads dark with Caterpillar: to brown. cream Dark leaves. of underside the on cluster alarge in Laid Egg: Crocidolomia pavonana caterpillar cluster Cabbage DESCRIPTION Semi translucent translucent Semi over the body. Female has has body.over Female the atent in held wings large relatively with moth coloured Adult: Patterned, buff

Female moth(top) and malemoth(LFinn, Hunter ofPhotography) Region School and Queensland. NSW northern in autumn early and Summer grow. asthey frass and webbing of amounts large leaves, depositing Completely skeletonise wing. each on border dark with have spots Both 2white patterning. creamand wing brown dark distinct has male the while markings subtle MOST COMMON DAMAGE 11 BENEFICIALS & PESTS 12 PESTS & BENEFICIALS 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, long. 30 mm around 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 rocket. 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 13 BENEFICIALS & PESTS 14 PESTS & BENEFICIALS 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

Very wide host range. host wide Very in Queensland. Spring-autumn Caterpillars skeletonise leaves. Mature caterpillar (NSWDPI)andadult moth(DHobern) MOST COMMON DAMAGE 15 BENEFICIALS & PESTS 16 PESTS & BENEFICIALS and disturbed cutworm caterpillar cutworm (SLearmonth anddisturbed Flickriver) DAFWA)Active (FTGort cream markings. Adults reach reach Adults markings. cream and yellow red, with to black dark green/greybecoming age, as they darken Caterpillars mature. asthey separate but asagroup feed and green Caterpillar: cluster. compact in laid but eggs to Heliothis similar domes to yellow cream Ribbed 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 Wings held in a in held Wings Reddish brown, brown, Reddish

converted to cropping. newly areas damper in especially spring, during likely is 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 Bugwood.org) Adult feeding moth (NSWDPI)andcutworm on young plant (Clemson Uni MOST COMMON DAMAGE 17 BENEFICIALS & PESTS 18 PESTS & BENEFICIALS 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 Egg: (J Ekman) Damsel bug adult(J spp. Nabis bug Damsel DESCRIPTION Whitish, oval laid laid 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 19 BENEFICIALS & PESTS 20 PESTS & BENEFICIALS Adult: 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 yellow, Pale eggs oval Egg: Plutella xylostella moth Diamondback Feeding Ekman) seedling andbukchoy windows leaf(J and holesinkale DESCRIPTION Slender, brown Silvery mesh cocoon cocoon mesh Silvery numerous small feeding feeding small numerous 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 DAMAGE

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 crops. brassica of pest Major veins. leaf between especially holes, leave large intact). Mature caterpillars surface leaf upper the holes or ‘windows’ (leaving MOST COMMON 21 BENEFICIALS & PESTS 22 PESTS & BENEFICIALS (S. Learmonth DAFWA) with damage to young cauliflower Tech andadultbeetles Extension) False (Virginia wireworm larvae Gonocephalum spp. False wireworm /Vegetable beetle 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 surface organic matter. organic surface under just or soil, cultivated loose, of layers upper the in live but to move around not tend wireworms false wireworms, Unlike true spring. during damage most cause but winter and autumn developLarvae through 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 roots. plant the on feed pits or holes, while larvae round small causing leaves, plant the on feed Adults MOST COMMON DAMAGE 23 BENEFICIALS & PESTS 24 PESTS & BENEFICIALS 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 Bradysia spp. Fungus gnats andadult (AFungus Broadley Clark) DAFF) (JK gnat larvae DESCRIPTION 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 a contamination issue.mainly are Adults seedlings. affecting those especially diseases, fungal for asvectors act potentially also can They stems. and roots seedling on feed they where surface soil the near live Larvae MOST COMMON DAMAGE 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: (M Khan QDAFF) andadult greenNymph (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 feeding, during plants into enzymes digestive inject nymphs and Adults markings. red with sometimes bug, body. Agile asthe long MOST COMMON DAMAGE 25 BENEFICIALS & PESTS 26 PESTS & BENEFICIALS Nezara viridula Green vegetable bug Egg nymph raft, (L Turton NSWDPI) NSWDPI) andadult(SMcDougall bug can Adults sucking. by sap Young are damaged shoots 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: DESCRIPTION DAMAGE 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 MOST COMMON runners and rarely fly. rarely and runners fast are They covers. wing 8–12 ridged with long mm Flatten Adult: prey. attacking for jaws obvious and head large relatively with grub Larvae: moist soil debris. in clusters in Laid Egg: (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 27 BENEFICIALS & PESTS 28 PESTS & BENEFICIALS Heliothis eggs (SGrigg) generally found just under 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 to yellow, orange diameter, 1 mm darkening domes white Ribbed, groups. Egg: Helicoverpa armigera, H. punctigera NativeHeliothis / budworm DESCRIPTION Laid singly or in small small in or singly Laid Golden colour, Golden Initially 1.5 mm Initially central part of the plant. the of part central prefer leaf undersides or the 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: stimulates emergence. Rain surface. soil the MOST COMMON DAMAGE

andadult moth(KPower) Ekman) Heliothis caterpillar (J 29 BENEFICIALS & PESTS 30 PESTS & BENEFICIALS 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 (A Ryland) andlarvae Ekman) adult(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 31 BENEFICIALS & PESTS 32 PESTS & BENEFICIALS 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: to long. up 6mm reptilianand appearance, Larvae: Fungus Ekman) andadult (J (RRichter) 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 33 BENEFICIALS & PESTS 34 PESTS & BENEFICIALS 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 35 BENEFICIALS & PESTS 36 PESTS & BENEFICIALS Jump away quickly if 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 onrocket (SGrigg) 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 the undersides of leaves. Tend on to feed disturbed. 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 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 37 BENEFICIALS & PESTS 38 PESTS & BENEFICIALS 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 moth (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 (Vic DPI)andadult mite (LSchimming) Blue oat mites anddamage (Vic 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 and surface soil the on 3–6 of clusters in Egg: Penthaleus spp. Mite –blue oat DESCRIPTION DAMAGE Round, laid singly or or singly laid Round, Bluish black with 8 with black Bluish Pinkish orange and and orange Pinkish

by cool weather and rain. and weather by cool followed temperatures high to exposure after hatch only These laid. are eggs resting 20°C exceed maximums year. the of daily When part wet cool, the during to southern Queensland Tasmania from Widespread whitish patches. large causing surface, leaf the damages Feeding shoots. and leaves young on to feed soil MOST COMMON 39 BENEFICIALS & PESTS 40 PESTS & BENEFICIALS biological control agent. asa used commonly most the Phtyoseiulus persimilis which of species, mite predatory of anumber are There Phytoseiulis persimilis predatory – Mite Predatory mite Phyoseiulis persimilis (Bugwood.org (top) andM Talbot) DESCRIPTION is is temperatures over 26°C. at rapidly Multiplies mite. spider bean and mite spotted two on mite: Beneficial species. mite pest than larger slightly moving, fast shaped, Adult: shaped. pear Nymph: Pale orange, egg. mite pest of size the double Egg: MOST COMMON DAMAGE Oval, orange tinged, Orange to reddish, pear pear 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: mature. asthey darkens long, mm 0.2 6legs, with Nymph: mites’the female body. within is retained egg resting spring. During summer a soil debris during winter- or stems lower on singly Egg: Redlegged earth mite onbroccoli earth Redlegged (RLancaster DAFWA) andmite (L Turton NSWDPI) Halotydeus destructor Mite –redlegged earth 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, Tears leaves to release plant MOST COMMON DAMAGE 41 BENEFICIALS & PESTS 42 PESTS & BENEFICIALS 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, Tetranychus urticae Mite –two spotted (J Ekman) , anddamage to rocket (J Martin) Two spotted mites form overwintering (L,top), form normal withegg(R)(GSan 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 a tiny, housefly. slim similar to appears long, Adult: soil. of 5cm top the within Pupates plants. on and soil the in both found be Can long. to up 5mm maggot legless Larvae: seeds. or to plants close matter organic decaying on or soil the in laid are eggs Egg: and (top) adultfly(PADIL) andpupae (right) oncauliflowerOnion maggot (left) curd (SLearmonth, DAFWA) platuraDelia maggot Seedcorn / maggot Onion DESCRIPTION Tiny, white, elongated Tiny, elongated white, Grey fly up to 5 mm up mm to 5 fly Grey Creamy to yellowish Creamy to yellowish

pest flies alsopresent. pest similar, of non- because brassicas in to detect hard be Can conditions. climatic of range awide tolerate can but spring, in found Often development rots. of soft increasing disease, for point entry an are These trails. feeding brown producing attacked, be can curds Cauliflower plants. young stunting and seeds the destroying seedlings, and into seeds burrow Larvae MOST COMMON DAMAGE 43 BENEFICIALS & PESTS 44 PESTS & BENEFICIALS or Telenomus) or species to larger (eg Trichogramma eggs moth inside eggs lay that their long mm 0.5 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 emerged adult Cotesia glomerata, parasitoid ofcabbagewhite caterpillars (SGrigg) andpupae withnewly sp.,Diadegma Ekman) a parasitoid ofdiamondbackmoth (J 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 18 lay that their long mm 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 45 BENEFICIALS & PESTS 46 PESTS & BENEFICIALS Up to 15 long. mm wings. green metallic and bright orange abdomen Slender with beetle Adult: toup to ayear mature. take They organisms. other and caterpillars young eggs, insect pupae, insect eat that carnivores strict are Larvae segments. rounded distinct with dwelling, Soil Larvae: Chauliognathus lugubris beetle soldier Plague (J Ekman) Plague soldier beetleadult(J DESCRIPTION not understood. are which of causes the to mate, 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 yellow and wilt easily. wilt and yellow stunted, may appear plants the of parts Upper roots. infested on develop galls and knots Swellings, roots. plant parasitise they where soil, the in live eye. They naked to the visible rarely long <1 organisms wormlike mm are microscopic, Nematodes penetrating a plant root (top right) (top root a plant penetrating nematode knot root Ajuvenile DPI). infestation nematode knot root of (right) stages late and (above) Early Meloidogyne spp. nematode knot Root DAMAGE DESCRIPTION (NSW (NSW . 25 warm environments (over in Symptoms increased are important control methods. control important rotation crop and hygiene farm making seedlings, by infested and machinery water, irrigation in on spread are Nematodes plants. MOST COMMON

o

C) especially on mature mature on especially C) 47 BENEFICIALS & PESTS 48 PESTS & BENEFICIALS 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 tiny to of the due size beetle ant than large aor more Adult: Paederus spp. Rove beetle (J Ekman) Rove beetle(J DESCRIPTION Resembles an earwig an earwig Resembles as Paederus dermatitus known irritation, skin extreme cause can This crushed. or damaged are they if is released atoxin which contain beetles However, insects. small various on Predatory insect: Beneficial actively during the day. the during actively hunt and areas to irrigated attracted are They places. moist around soil On DAMAGE MOST COMMON . (J Ekman) Rutherglen bug (J 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: Nysius vinitor bug Rutherglen DESCRIPTION DAMAGE Slender, dark Pear shaped, Pear shaped,

other hosts are unavailable. hosts other when Move into vegetables safflower. and sorghum as sunflower, such crops field as in aswell species weed in spring during Multiply products. cut fresh of is issue contamination Main hosts. preferred not are although vegetable crops MOST COMMON 49 BENEFICIALS & PESTS 50 PESTS & BENEFICIALS 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: Family Scatella flies Shore 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 51 BENEFICIALS & PESTS 52 PESTS & BENEFICIALS Bemisia tabaci Bemisia whitefly Silverleaf Silverleaf whitefly nymph andwhite stem symptoms on broccoli Barro) (PDe growth stunting plants, from sap suck adults and Larvae body. the along apeak in held wings with long 1 mm around white, Snow Adult: into turn pupae. eventually These red. dark eyes become and thicken yellow, bodies turn their nymphs Mature Pupae: tails. pointed slightly with insects scale to soft similar leaf, the on appearing opaque white and stationary but flat also are nymphs instar Later long. mm 0.3 around and mobile greenish, flat, are Nymph: DESCRIPTION DAMAGE First instar nymphs allows rapid development. to develop between 10–35 between to develop continuing range, temperature wide a can tolerate Whiteflies viruses. some transmit can and growth, mould sooty honeydew, which encourages sticky excrete Whiteflies bleached. be can stalks broccoli may while drop, and patches silvery develop Leaves yield. reducing and by temperatures 25–28 by temperatures followed winter A mild MOST COMMON o C o C. C.

Silverleaf whitefly adults and nymphs oncabbage(A Ryland) 53 BENEFICIALS & PESTS 54 PESTS & BENEFICIALS 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: Family Collembola Springtails (L Du Toit, damage toSpringtail young plant roots (L WSU) DESCRIPTION Microscopic, laid laid Microscopic, rich in organic materials. materials. organic in rich conditions with soils heavy 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 and unmarketable. and brown them making curds, cauliflower on feed beetles The infestation. detect to difficult and rapid in resulting into crops, fly Adults smaller.beetle’, much but ‘rove predatory related the fly. to Similar appearance to is able but covers, wing Short beetle. black slender Adult: matter. organic decaying on mainly to feed Thought segmentation. distinct and legs six with grub transparent Larvae: (S Learmonth DAFWA) (S Learmonth leaf a cauliflower on and close-up in beetle adult (top) and beetle by Staphylinid feeding to due curd cauliflower of Browning Family Staphilinidae Staphylinid beetle DAMAGE DESCRIPTION Tiny (1–2 Tiny long), mm Small, creamy white to creamy white Small,

in south west WA. west south in cauliflower of pest new is arelatively which insect, this about is known Little MOST COMMON 55 BENEFICIALS & PESTS 56 PESTS & BENEFICIALS wilt virus)wilt intocrop. 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 tinyto size—significant their due is difficult species thrips of Identification crops. brassica affecting species pest main the are (WFT) thrips flower western and thrips onion thrips, of many are species there While Thrips tabaci, Frankliniella schultzei Frankliniella tabaci, Thrips Thrips – onion, western flower APR, Bugwood.org) Western flower (PMJ thrips Ramakers DAMAGE DESCRIPTION Cream to to Cream for insecticide resistance. insecticide for known is particularly as WFT is difficult, Control seedlings. young of axis’ leaf the in hiding as aswell shoots new prefer to late mid summer.in Thrips summer, more WFT common early in common are thrips weather. Onion dry warm, during especially affected, be can crops brassica All MOST COMMON tucky Bugwood.org)tucky on a broccoli and onion thrips leaf - and cabbage (PBachiUni Ken Thrips damage onrocket Extension) (UniMassachusetts

(W Cranshaw CSU Bugwood.org) (W 57 BENEFICIALS & PESTS 58 PESTS & BENEFICIALS almost identical garden weevil (R)(SLearmonth DAFWA) K Adult weevilWalker (SHinkley Museum oftheappleweevil (L)and Vic) andlarvae female and cannot fly. cannot and female are All long. 8 mm about weevil, to black brown Adult: brassicas. of apest to be known is not which larvae, to weevil garden appearance toup 10 similar NB long. mm growing head, brown and legs no C-shaped with grub white Creamy Larvae: autumn. during soil in laid the and long mm 1 Egg: Otiorhynchus cribricollis Weevil –apple DESCRIPTION Whitish, less than than less Whitish, Glossy, dark reddish reddish Glossy, dark damaged, especially in WA. in especially damaged, have been crops also brassica orchards, and grapevines of a pest mainly Although ringbark young stems. can and tips, growing the leaves, on particularly feed to at night emerge They soil. into shallowly the burrowed day the spending nocturnal, are weevils Adult surface. soil the below just stems through by chewing transplants young and seedlings kill Larvae MOST COMMON DAMAGE subtly striped colouring. colouring. subtly striped alighter, with and long) (up smaller toslightly 8mm but weevil whitefringed the Resembles to weevil. grey Adult: to long. up 7mm growing head brown C-shaped with grub Larvae: autumn. during soil the in laid long, 1 mm Egg Small lucerne weevils (SLearmonth DAFWA) taeniatulus Atrichonotus Weevil –small lucerne DESCRIPTION : Cream, less than than less : Cream, Mottled light brown brown light Mottled Creamy white white Creamy

such as clover or lucerne. or asclover such crops to grow broadacre used previously ground on especially establishment, crop early during problem a to be likely Most can ringbark young stems. leaves and on feed weevils Adult surface. soil the below just stems through chewing by transplants young and seedlings kill Larvae MOST COMMON DAMAGE 59 BENEFICIALS & PESTS 60 PESTS & BENEFICIALS species at only 5 mm long. long. 5mm at only species weevil other most than ‘snout’. smaller are Adults distinct with weevil black Adult: to long. up 7mm growing head brown C-shaped orange- with grub white Creamy Larvae: autumn. during soil the in laid and long mm 1 than less Whitish, Egg: Desiantha diversipes Desiantha Weevil –spotted vegetable Adult weevil (SLearmonth, DAFWA) DESCRIPTION Speckled grey and and grey Speckled

especially in WA. in especially establishment, crop early during aproblem to be likely is most It crops. brassica of pest aserious usually is not this weevil Australia, Although common in southern can ringbark young stems. leaves and emerging on feed weevils Adult surface. soil the below just stems through by chewing transplants young and seedlings kill Larvae MOST COMMON DAMAGE back and a prominent snout. aprominent and back their way along the ¾of mark V-shaped pale a distinctive have toup 10 They long. mm Adult: spring. early in soil the in Pupates head. the behind just plate, abrown of presence the by identified be can They long. to up 15 jaws, black and mm head to black brown with grub C-shapedgreenish legless Creamy or yellow Larvae: and (right) adult(DAFWA) Vegetable (SLearmonth DAFWA) weevil larvae on wombok (A Ryland) , larvae Listroderes difficilis Weevil –vegetable DESCRIPTION Mottled brown to grey brown Mottled behind head Brown plate

soil during summer. during soil the in inactive are Adults spring. in as adults emerging winter,autumn and during present are Larvae 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 MOST COMMON DAMAGE 61 BENEFICIALS & PESTS 62 PESTS & BENEFICIALS rarely cause major damage. major cause rarely leaves but lower on feed Adults surface. soil the below just stems through chewing by transplants young and seedlings kill can They roots. plant eat they where ground 5–15 live the Larvae in deep cm distances. long walk but fly cannot Adults long. Upto 12 snout. mm short a and band side white with Adult: toup 15 long. mm jaws, black and head creamy with grub legless Larvae: stems. plant lower or litter ground in clumps gelatinous Egg: Naupactus leucolomaNaupactus Weevil –white fringed damage to cauliflower (SLearmonth seedling by whitefringed DAFWA) weevil larvae (SLearmonthWhitefringed DAFWA) weevil larvae , adultweevil(A and Bradley) DAMAGE DESCRIPTION Pale yellow, Pale sticky, in laid Grey-brown striped striped Grey-brown Whitish C-shaped Whitish 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 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: Wireworm (MBertone) larvae Family Elateridae Wireworm DESCRIPTION

in cooler temperatures. in cooler or irrigation after re-appear may but conditions dry under into soil the deeper burrow They at risk. are particularly Transplants soil. of 5cm 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 63 BENEFICIALS & PESTS 64 PESTS & BENEFICIALS

Diseases 65 BENEFICIALS & PESTS 66 DISEASES Valent Bugwood.org) USACorp MAF) leaf spotonmizuna(Ontario Alternaria and(inset) oncabbage(G Holmes 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 SYMPTOMS generally uncommon. but debris, plant in survive and borne seed be Can stressed. are plants if especially conditions, Moist FAVOURED BY FAVOURED cauliflower curd (L Tesoriero NSWDPI) spot oncabbage(L Alternaria Tesoriero(B Winter) NSWDPI) , broccolini

and 67 DISEASES 68 DISEASES Tiny, dark, spines (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, Colletotrichum dematium Colletotrichum Anthracnose and turnip root and turnip (L Anthracnose leaf(SSmithUni Arkansas) onaturnip Tesoriero NSWDPI) SYMPTOMS conditions (10conditions –20°C). cool hours, afew than more for wet Leaves remaining lesions. the of border outer the on develop eventually FAVOURED BY FAVOURED Moderately uncommon. edge or yellow halo. adark with often veins, leaf the between develop lesions Brownish, angular Bacterial leafspoton rocket (L Bacterial Tesoriero NSWDPI) Pseudomonas spp. spot leaf Bacterial FAVOURED BY FAVOURED SYMPTOMS

, Xanthomonas spp. , Xanthomonas 69 DISEASES 70 DISEASES Bacterial headrots MAF) onbroccoli UCANR)andcabbage (Ontario Bacterial (STKoike expressed after harvest. after expressed field, they are commonly the in observed may be weather.wet symptoms While encouraged byfurther warm, growth fungal with injuries, through occurs Infection smell. by afoul accompanied A slimy, rot soft Erwinia spp., Pseudomonas spp. head – rot Bacterial FAVOURED BY FAVOURED SYMPTOMS

Bacterial headrot ofcauliflower,Bacterial and late early symptoms (RLancaster DAFWA) 71 DISEASES 72 DISEASES Bacterial soft rot inwombok soft andcauliflowerBacterial (L Tesoriero NSWDPI) before and after harvest. after and before susceptible, both particularly is Wombok smell. unpleasant an with cauliflower,often and broccoli of heads and leaves Wet, slimy stems, of rot Pectobacterium carotovorum Pectobacterium Bacterial rot –soft SYMPTOMS physical damage. other following infection asasecondary Common conditions. Warm, wet FAVOURED BY FAVOURED turn black, and split. split. and black, turn eventually lesions These dots. pinhead distributed irregularly with lesions purple to brown dry sunken develop Stems stalks and margins. the around reddish become leaves the and wilt Plants Black legeffects on broccoli stem andleaves L (MHill, Tesoriero NSW DPI) Leptosphaeria maculans leg Black SYMPTOMS

in irrigation water. spread or borne, seed be weather. Wet, windy Can dots. tiny of black numbers leaves, also containing large the on form spots circular Grey FAVOURED BY FAVOURED 73 DISEASES 74 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 seedling andcabbage(L Tesoriero NSWDPI) SYMPTOMS equipment or water splash. water or equipment by acrop through spreads also borne, seed be Can conditions. Warm, humid FAVOURED BY FAVOURED

Black rot oncauliflower (RLancaster DAFWA) anddiseased cabbages (L Tesoriero, NSWDPI) 75 DISEASES 76 DISEASES Clubroot on broccoli (SGrigg) Plasmodiophora brassicae Clubroot Crops which are direct seeded seeded direct are which Crops (pH<7.0) acidic wet, with soil. Warm combined temperatures 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 SYMPTOMS FAVOURED BY FAVOURED 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

NSW DPI)andwilting ofaffected broccoli (S Grigg) (L Tesoriero affectedRocket by club , clubrootroot (SGrigg) onasinglewombok 77 DISEASES 78 DISEASES fall over or collapse and die. and collapse over or fall Pythium (esp. infection the above system root the of branching excess in resulting sometimes junction, soil the near or root tap the of part lower 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 inbroccoli seedling roots (top) (RLancaster DAFWA) SYMPTOMS ). Seedlings tend to tend ). Seedlings Rhizoctonia solani Rhizoctonia spp., , Phytophthora for more information. entry stem” grow. “Wire See asthey symptoms disease develop can off damping survive which Seedlings NB. crops. to new disease the transmit can use before not properly sterilised been have which trays Seedling 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 FAVOURED BY FAVOURED ”

showing brown rot (BWinter) at thesoiljunction (top)Early andadvanced dampingoff of broccoli seedlings, and affected seedling 79 DISEASES 80 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 Downy mildew (L Tesoriero NSW DPI) Symptoms mouldgrowth andcloseup ofsoft ontatsoi (SGrigg) onleaf underside SYMPTOMS Cool, moist conditions. on more mature leaves. develops speckling angular black, sunken, while speckled, FAVOURED BY FAVOURED

(L Tesoriero NSW DPI) Downy mildewsymptoms ofincreasing ageonrocket, broccoli and cabbage 81 DISEASES 82 DISEASES and effects inthefield(SGrigg) Typical Subbarao UniCalifornia) yellowing dueto wiltoncabbage(KV fusarium Fusarium oxysporum sp. conglutinans oxysporum Fusarium yellows Cabbage Fusarium / wilt disease progressing most most progressing disease Warm weather, the with brittle. and dry become areas affected the eventually and yellow,turn brown, then Vascular tissues warped. and curled become side that on Leaves petioles and other. the than more plant the of side one on often leaves yellow, lower the and vigour lose initally Plants transplanting. after weeks 2–4 develops Usually SYMPTOMS FAVOURED BY FAVOURED resistant to this disease. to this disease. resistant are which available are Varieties periods. extended for soil the in survive can fungus The deficiency. by potassium exacerbated are Symptoms at 25–30°C. quickly

left, compared(B Winter)left, to normal, healthy plant onright Fusarium wiltoncauliflower and infected plant showing stunted root system on 83 DISEASES 84 DISEASES leaves remain wet. leaves remain if especially conditions, damp cold, Prolonged 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, Pseudomonas syringae pv. maculicola spot leaf Peppery Peppery spotonwombok (L Tesoriero NSWDPI) FAVOURED BY FAVOURED SYMPTOMS Phoma leaf spot(L Tesoriero NSWDPI) for Wet leaves required are 15–20°C. of temperatures and humidity relative High 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, white-brown to oval Round maculans) Leptosphaeria of form (asexual lingam Phoma spot Phoma leaf SYMPTOMS FAVOURED BY FAVOURED

and, potentially,and, insects. debris, irrigation water crop rain, by wind, spread be can Spores infection. 85 DISEASES 86 DISEASES Warm, dry conditions. Warm, dry 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 Erysiphe cruciferarum Erysiphe mildew Powdery Powdery mildewontatsoi andwombok (HJJee) (N Gunasingh) FAVOURED BY FAVOURED SYMPTOMS spots in concentric rings. the inside form bodies fruiting black Small halo. by ayellow surrounded leaves, the on develop spots grey,Dark circular ‘target’ Ring spot oncabbage(L Ring Tesoriero tatsoi NSWDPI)andpurple (S Grigg) brassicola Mycosphaerella spot Ring SYMPTOMS

undecomposed crop residues. into is planted crop new the if to occur likely More infection. after weeks to up two for Symptoms develop may not 24 at least hours. for continuously wet leaves stay weather, wet Cool, where FAVOURED BY FAVOURED 87 DISEASES 88 DISEASES

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 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 onroots (INRA) andeffects on young seedlings (L Tesoriero NSWDPI) Thielaviopsis basicola (syn. Chalara elegans) Root rot –black FAVOURED BY FAVOURED SYMPTOMS 89 DISEASES 90 DISEASES when infected with TSWV. with infected when die, and particularly wilt may Plants distorted. and bunched appear can shoots young and are stunted Plants leaves. on spots ring or mosaic mottling, General Alfalfa mosaic, Cucumber mosaic (CMV) Tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV), (TSWV), virus wilt Tomato (CMV) spotted mosaic Cucumber mosaic, Alfalfa Virus –Mosaic Turnip mosaicvirusshowing chlorotic (L)and necrotic effects (L Tesoriero NSWDPI) SYMPTOMS crops during dry weather. dry during crops move into and weeds in up vectors commonly build insect of Populations thrips. by is spread which TSWV except by aphids, spread Often FAVOURED BY FAVOURED

(DB Langston UniGeorgia Bugwood.org) andbukchoy(L Tesoriero NSWDPI) Cauliflower leaves mosaic virusonturnip mosaicvirus on seedlings(INRA),turnip mosaic mosaic, Turnip Cauliflower 91 DISEASES 92 DISEASES growth, lumps and cankers. cankers. and lumps growth, abnormal in resulting tissues, internal plants the through progress also can Infection unmarketable. heads making visible, becoming petals white with to sometimes enlarge, buds flower causes blister white heads, broccoli On leaves. distort can like and blister and powdery become lesions these smooth, Initially surfaces. leaf upper the on spots yellow or green light leaves, with corresponding of undersides the on mainly appear, spots white Raised Albugo candida White blister /white rust White blister onbroccoli leafunderside (SGrigg) SYMPTOMS can become diseased. become can varieties ‘resistant’ nominally even means races of number large the while susceptible, highly be can vegetables Asian leafy and Broccoli residues. crop on and water irrigation in spores, borne by air transmitted be can disease The 6–24°C. from temperatures with combined fog, or dew irrigation, from damp remain weather, leaves Humid where FAVOURED BY FAVOURED

on choy sum(L Tesoriero NSWDPI)andabroccoli Ekman) head(J ofbroccoliWhite blister onthe top leaves surface (RLancaster DAFWA), symptoms 93 DISEASES 94 DISEASES can yellow and drop off. drop and yellow can leaves infected die; heavily may Seedlings leaves. on to up diameter 1cm spots papery pale, of numbers Large Pseudocercosporella capsellae Pseudocercosporella spot leaf White White leafspotonbuk choy seedling(L Tesoriero NSW DPI) SYMPTOMS borne or spread by wind. seed be Can conditions. (10–15°C),Cool wet FAVOURED BY FAVOURED

White leafspotoncauliflower leaf(L Tesoriero NSW DPI) 95 DISEASES 96 DISEASES affected. In later stages stages later In affected. may be plant the of parts All growth. fungal cottony white, with covered rot wet into asoft, develops fungus the leaves, lower in tissue decaying in found Initally Sclerotinia spp. Sclerotinia sclerotiniaWhite / mould White mouldrotting acauliflower head(RLancaster DAFWA) SYMPTOMS Cool, moist conditions. shaped. irregularly and to up 10be across mm can These (sclerotia) form. bodies resting hard black FAVOURED BY FAVOURED

cabbage (L Tesoriero NSWDPI) Sclerotinia fungusand sclerotia onbroccoli (Uni Arizona), brussels sprouts and 97 DISEASES 98 DISEASES Rhizoctonia is common in soil soil in is common Rhizoctonia diseases, root of causes Like other area. diseased the below from shoots new out may send plants advanced more while die, Seedlings collapse. and wilt Plants emerge. seedlings after soon junction soil the near develop margin defined a sharply with cankers sunken Dry, Rhizoctonia solani Rhizoctonia stem Wire L Tesoriero NSW DPI) Wire stem, causing collapse ofyoung broccoli plants (RLancaster DAFWA, SYMPTOMS or insect damage. insect or transplanting conditions, windy eg level at soil damage physical with combined if specially Warm soils wet structures).(hard resting as sclerotia or debris plant on periods long survive can and FAVOURED BY FAVOURED

infection of cabbage(G Holmes Valent Bugwood.org) USACorp Effects in the fieldofdamping off (top)(RLancaster DAFWA) and Rhizoctonia 99 DISEASES DISEASES 101 Disorders Boron deficiency / hollow stem DISORDERS SYMPTOMS CAUSED BY Stems and petioles become Brassicas have a high brittle, cracking and splitting requirement for boron, so easily. Brownish, water soaked deficiencies are relatively lesions appear on cauliflower common. Boron deficiency DISORDERS curds and broccoli florets, is most likely in light sandy which also develop a strongly soils, soils that have had bitter taste. As plants grow heavy applications of lime or they develop hollow stems, dolomite, and strongly acid with brown, corky lesions soils. Symptoms can often both inside and outside. develop as the soil dries after an extended wet spell.

Early (top) and advanced (bottom) symptoms in cauliflower and broccoli (R Weir, Boron deficiency symptoms on broccoli head (JK Clark UC IPM) NSW DPI) and hollow stem symptoms on cauliflower (S Grigg) 102 103 Calcium deficiency – tipburn Chocolate spot (cauliflower) DISORDERS SYMPTOMS CAUSED BY SYMPTOMS CAUSED BY Browning of the leaf margins, Occasionally related to Brown, soft rotten floret in Damage to the curd, particularly the inner leaves, soil deficiency, but more what otherwise appears causing internal breakage which become dry and papery. often caused by the plant to be a healthy head. and floret death. Affected leaves fail to develop growing faster than calcium DISORDERS properly and have a cupped can move from the roots to appearance. Damaged areas the growing tips. Tipburn is are prone to other diseases most frequent during humid and have shortened shelf life. summer weather, when development is rapid but evaporation and, therefore, water movement through the plant is reduced. Particularly affects the inner leaves.

Chocolate spot of cauliflower (S Grigg) and (inset) cut section showing broken Tipburn in savoy cabbage (S Grigg) and cauliflower (ST Koike UC Davis) floret (G Holmes Valent USA Bugwood.org) 104 105 Cold damage / purpling (broccoli) Curd discolouration DISORDERS SYMPTOMS SYMPTOMS CAUSED BY Broccoli head develops a Cauliflower head may be Sun exposure, especially purplish tone, particularly yellowed, greenish or even if combined with high on the most exposed parts. pink toned, especially temperatures. Varieties on the outer curds. that lack good leaf cover

DISORDERS CAUSED BY over the head are most Weather that is too cold for susceptible to this disorder. the variety being grown Pink and greenish discolouration of cauliflower heads compared to normal Can also be caused by genetic white head (R Lancaster DAFWA) variation in the seed line.

Purpling of broccoli heads (J Ekman) 106 107 Fertiliser burn Frost damage DISORDERS SYMPTOMS CAUSED BY SYMPTOMS Blackened necrotic areas or Application of dry fertiliser Leaves become bubbled bleached patches appear and which has stayed on the leaves. and distorted and necrotic expand on the leaves and in areas develop. Large the leaf axils. Leaves can wilt, water-soaked areas may DISORDERS become chlorotic and die. appear if injury is severe. CAUSED BY Frost settling on leaves for an extended period—tolerance varies between varieties.

Fertiliser granules and burn on broccoli (S Grigg) Frost injury on rocket and broccoli (D Schellenberg) 108 109 Herbicide damage DISORDERS SYMPTOMS CAUSED BY Variable symptoms. Pre- Potential causes include emergent herbicide contamination of the spray applications can cause tank due to insufficient the cotyledons to become cleaning, inappropriate DISORDERS thickened, twisted and herbicide selection and distorted. Post-emergent application of a normally applications can result in non-damaging herbicide leaf inrolling and distortion to a crop previously treated and the appearance of with a wetting agent. bleached, chlorotic patches. Damage is often most severe on the leaf margins, and Herbicide damage to pak choy, results in stunted growth. broccoli seedling (S Grigg) and buk choy (L Tesoriero NSW DPI

Herbicide damage to rocket (S Grigg) 110 111 Magnesium deficiency Manganese toxicity DISORDERS SYMPTOMS CAUSED BY SYMPTOMS FAVOURED BY Often produces characteristic Acidic, light textured soils Yellowing and then death Usually an issue on acid soils. bright yellow chlorosis on are most likely to become of the margins on the older Made worse by periodic the older leaves. Chlorosis deficient, especially if heavily leaves. As the inner area waterlogging followed spreads from the tips and fertilised. Dolomite can be continues to grow, the leaves by warm dry spells. DISORDERS margins towards the main used to correct this deficiency. develop a cupped appearance. vein. Eventually only a small Leaves become spotted triangular area near the leaf and scorched, particularly base may remain green. In around the margins. cauliflower and cabbage, pale to brown necrotic areas can appear between leaf veins without prior yellowing.

Symptoms on broccoli and cauliflower (R Weir, NSW DPI) Manganese toxicity on broccoli (C Rosen Uni of Minnesota) 112 113 Molybdenum deficiency Nitrogen deficiency DISORDERS SYMPTOMS SYMPTOMS Without molybdenum plants with small, irregular sections Plants are pale and chloritic it is easily leached, especially are unable to use the nitrates of leaf blade attached. and growth is reduced. Older from sandy soils low in organic absorbed from the soil, so leaves in particular may yellow matter. Waterlogging and CAUSED BY initial symptoms can resemble and die prematurely. Red or surface fertiliser application DISORDERS nitrogen deficiency. However, Associated with acid purplish colours can develop in promote release of nitrogen accumulation of nitrates in soils. Cauliflower is the paler than normal leaves. as gas, removing it from the the leaf edges causes them particularly susceptible. soil. Incorporation of high CAUSED BY to become distorted and carbon soil amendments develop a whitish, scorched Nitrogen is required in such as straw can lock up appearance. Cauliflowers relatively large amounts for available nitrogen in the soil. develop ‘whiptail’, in which maximum growth. However, the leaf margins progressively die back causing the leaves to become narrow and distorted. Eventually, new leaves may be little more than midribs

Whiptail symptoms in cauliflower (R Lancaster DAFWA) Nitrogen deficiency in broccoli seedlings (S Grigg) and tatsoi (S Parks NSW DPI) 114 115 Oedema Old seed DISORDERS SYMPTOMS CAUSED BY SYMPTOMS FAVOURED BY Blistering on the underside of Excess water in the root Seeds germinate but Seeds have been stored too the leaf develops into small, zone combined with high cotyledons fail to develop long before use, with the brown, corky growths. These humidity and low air normally, with variable rates result that their carbohydrate darken and harden with temperatures. Pressure of germination and growth reserves are reduced. DISORDERS age, sometimes spreading builds up inside the internal through the crop. Seedlings to petioles and stems. cells, eventually causing lack vigour and are slow to them to blister and burst. grow past the cotyledon stage.

Corky blisters caused by excess internal moisture (L Tesoriero NSW DPI) Patchy growth due to old seed being used in tatsoi (M Titley) 116 117 Pepper spot / black speck Phosphorus deficiency DISORDERS SYMPTOMS CAUSED BY SYMPTOMS Most common on wombok, The cause of this disorder is Poor growth, older leaves (or pepper spot or “gomasho” unknown, but is likely ot be a cotyledons in seedlings) turn can also occur on European combination of environment bluish green or purple. Stems cabbages. Small, dark, oval and varietal factors. High thin, liable to breakage. DISORDERS spots develop, about the size rates of nitrogen fertilisation CAUSED BY of sesame seeds. Initially these can increase symptoms. appear on the white midribs Cold weather, which limits of the outer leaves but spread phosphorus uptake by gradually into the centre of the plant, especially if the head. Spots develop on combined with low pH both the outer and inner leaf and low levels of available surfaces and worsen during phosphorus in the soil. postharvest storage, especially at temperatures above 0oC.

Pepper spot closeup and symptoms on wombok (P Gilreath) Purpling of cauliflower leaf due to Phosphorus deficiency (R Lancaster DAFWA) 118 119 Potassium deficiency Riciness (cauliflower) DISORDERS SYMPTOMS SYMPTOMS Yellowing and burned areas potassium reduces uptake Curds are small and uneven. is associated with high initially develop around the of calcium and magnesium, Individual parts of the florets temperatures, especially leaf margins and between the potentially causing tipburn. elongate and separate, if combined with rapid veins. Necrotic areas may be making them appear growth. Can be due to DISORDERS light brown to almost black somewhat like grains of rice. mismatch between the variety and occur most on the older and the environment, or CAUSED BY leaves. The plant internodes unusual growing conditions. can be reduced, resulting While there is no clearly Excess nitrogen may also in a short growth habit. defined cause, riciness contribute to the condition. CAUSED BY Application of fertilisers which are unbalanced, being higher in nitrogen than potassium, often associated with intensive cropping. Note that excess

Potassium deficiency in cauliflower (R Weir NSW DPI) and tatsoi (S Parks NSW DPI) Riciness of cauliflower (Int produce training) 120 121 Salt burn Warm weather syndrome DISORDERS SYMPTOMS SYMPTOMS Most common symptom is a is most common in inland Open, loose head on either general reduction in growth. irrigation districts, but can also broccoli or cauliflower In more severe cases leaves occur in coastal areas where CAUSED BY develop bleached, burned irrigation water is brackish. DISORDERS areas, typically at the leaf tip Irrigation management The variety is unsuited to and around the edges. Older and drainage are important the warmth of the climate leaves develop problems control measures. Vegetable in which it is being grown. first and can tend to fall off. crops vary widely in their salt tolerance, with spinach CAUSED BY relatively tolerant but High levels of salt in soil or lettuce and some brassicas irrigation water. The problem moderately sensitive.

Bleached leaf tip due to salt burn on tatsoi (S Parks, NSW DPI) Open heads of cauliflower and broccoli 122 123 Waterlogging

SYMPTOMS FAVOURED BY Roots develop on the tops Heavy soils, prolonged of beds. Leaves become rainfall, poor drainage. yellow due to inhibition of nitrogen uptake. Plants can DISORDERS become red or purplish.

Poor development associated with waterlogged soil (J Ekman) 124