Pest identification
What's eating my mustard greens 'southern giant curled'?
Flea beetles (Phyllotreta spp.)
Signs: Clusters of tiny holes in the broad leaves; seedlings most at risk; ruffled surface traps adult beetles
Control: Fine mesh row cover from sowing; kaolin clay spray; diatomaceous earth along bed edges
Harlequin bug (Murgantia histrionica) — US South
Signs: Sucking feeding causes white and yellow leaf blotches; wilting; plant death in heavy infestations; overwinters in brassica debris
Control: Hand-pick adults and egg masses (distinctive barrel-shaped clusters); remove crop debris after harvest; plant trap crops of mustard at field edges
Cabbage aphids (Brevicoryne brassicae)
Signs: Grey colonies hidden in curled leaf crevices; difficult to spray; sooty mold follows; leaves become unmarketable
Control: High-pressure water jets into the ruffles; insecticidal soap applied thoroughly; remove first-colonized plants
Imported cabbageworm (Pieris rapae)
Signs: Large holes eaten in broad outer leaves; caterpillars hide in the curled leaf folds
Control: Bt-k spray working into the ruffled leaf structure; hand-pick; row cover
Keep mustard greens 'southern giant curled' pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Mustard Greens 'Southern Giant Curled' pests — FAQ
What is eating my mustard greens 'southern giant curled'?
Mustard Greens 'Southern Giant Curled' has large, heavily ruffled leaves that trap moisture and pest eggs. Flea beetles, aphids, harlequin bugs in the South, and caterpillars are the main threats. Harlequin bugs are a serious warm-region pest unique to this and other brassicas. Row covers and Bt-k are the primary defenses.
How do I get rid of flea beetles (phyllotreta spp.) on mustard greens 'southern giant curled'?
Clusters of tiny holes in the broad leaves; seedlings most at risk; ruffled surface traps adult beetles Fine mesh row cover from sowing; kaolin clay spray; diatomaceous earth along bed edges
How do I get rid of harlequin bug (murgantia histrionica) — us south on mustard greens 'southern giant curled'?
Sucking feeding causes white and yellow leaf blotches; wilting; plant death in heavy infestations; overwinters in brassica debris Hand-pick adults and egg masses (distinctive barrel-shaped clusters); remove crop debris after harvest; plant trap crops of mustard at field edges
How do I get rid of cabbage aphids (brevicoryne brassicae) on mustard greens 'southern giant curled'?
Grey colonies hidden in curled leaf crevices; difficult to spray; sooty mold follows; leaves become unmarketable High-pressure water jets into the ruffles; insecticidal soap applied thoroughly; remove first-colonized plants
How do I get rid of imported cabbageworm (pieris rapae) on mustard greens 'southern giant curled'?
Large holes eaten in broad outer leaves; caterpillars hide in the curled leaf folds Bt-k spray working into the ruffled leaf structure; hand-pick; row cover