Pest identification
What's eating my burdock 'takinogawa'?
Aphids (Aphis spp. — several species recorded on Arctium)
Signs: Dense colonies on growing tips and stem undersides; honeydew and sooty mould; curled, distorted leaves; reduced vigour in young plants.
Control: Strong water jet to dislodge; insecticidal soap or neem oil; introduce or attract ladybirds and lacewings; avoid excess nitrogen fertiliser.
Caterpillars (various moth and butterfly larvae that feed on Asteraceae)
Signs: Holes and missing sections in large burdock leaves; frass visible; severe attack can defoliate plants before the root has bulked up.
Control: Hand-pick larvae; Bt kurstaki spray on foliage; row covers protect young transplants during peak egg-laying periods.
Carrot fly / root fly (Psila rosae and related Delia spp.)
Signs: Larvae occasionally tunnel into the long taproot, creating rust-stained channels and entry points for root rot.
Control: Rotate burdock with unrelated crops; erect a 60–90 cm fine mesh barrier; avoid crushing foliage near harvest which releases attractant volatiles.
Keep burdock 'takinogawa' pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Burdock 'Takinogawa' pests — FAQ
What is eating my burdock 'takinogawa'?
Burdock 'Takinogawa' is a robust, largely self-sufficient root crop but aphids colonise soft stem tips, and caterpillars (thistle-feeding moths) can strip foliage. Its deep taproot makes it vulnerable to carrot/root fly tunnelling in some regions. Generally more pest-resilient than brassica greens.
How do I get rid of aphids (aphis spp. — several species recorded on arctium) on burdock 'takinogawa'?
Dense colonies on growing tips and stem undersides; honeydew and sooty mould; curled, distorted leaves; reduced vigour in young plants. Strong water jet to dislodge; insecticidal soap or neem oil; introduce or attract ladybirds and lacewings; avoid excess nitrogen fertiliser.
How do I get rid of caterpillars (various moth and butterfly larvae that feed on asteraceae) on burdock 'takinogawa'?
Holes and missing sections in large burdock leaves; frass visible; severe attack can defoliate plants before the root has bulked up. Hand-pick larvae; Bt kurstaki spray on foliage; row covers protect young transplants during peak egg-laying periods.
How do I get rid of carrot fly / root fly (psila rosae and related delia spp.) on burdock 'takinogawa'?
Larvae occasionally tunnel into the long taproot, creating rust-stained channels and entry points for root rot. Rotate burdock with unrelated crops; erect a 60–90 cm fine mesh barrier; avoid crushing foliage near harvest which releases attractant volatiles.