What's eating my kohlrabi 'superschmelz'?

Kohlrabi 'Superschmelz' grows very large swollen stems that attract the same Brassica pest complex as other kohlrabi, plus rabbits and deer are drawn to the giant bulbs. Cabbage worms, flea beetles, and aphids are the main insect threats. Row covers and Bt-k are the core defenses.

Masses of tiny shot-holes in leaves; severe on seedlings, can defoliate young plants entirely Floating row cover from day one; sticky yellow traps to monitor pressure; diatomaceous earth as a barrier

Large irregular holes eaten into leaves by velvety green caterpillars; feeding worsens as season progresses Spray Bt-k (Dipel, Thuricide) every 7–10 days during flight season; hand-pick caterpillars; encourage parasitic wasps

Powdery grey colonies clustered on growing tips; stunted, distorted new growth Strong water spray; insecticidal soap or neem oil applied to undersides of leaves

Bulb and leaf material chewed or pulled out overnight; cleanly nipped stems at ground level (rabbits) or torn foliage (deer) Hardware cloth or chicken wire fencing at least 60 cm tall for rabbits; 1.5–1.8 m deer fencing or motion-activated deterrents