Growli

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

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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