Pest identification
What's eating my daikon radish?
Cabbage root fly (Delia radicum)
Signs: Maggots tunnel into the root causing brown channels, wilting, and decay at harvest
Control: Brassica root-fly collars; row cover for first 5 weeks; crop rotation away from brassicas
Flea beetles (Phyllotreta spp.)
Signs: Shot-hole damage to leaves throughout the growing season; heavy on young plants
Control: Row cover; keep plants well-watered; sticky yellow traps to monitor populations
Harlequin bug (Murgantia histrionica) — US South
Signs: Sap-sucking causes wilted, yellowed foliage and stunted root development
Control: Hand-pick egg masses; kaolin clay spray; remove overwintering debris; trap crops of mustard
Aphids
Signs: Colonies on leaf undersides and growing tips; honeydew and leaf curl
Control: Insecticidal soap spray; water jet; beneficial insects such as ladybirds
Keep daikon radish pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
- What eats radish — the species this cultivar belongs to
- What eats daikon radish — our other guide for the same plant
- What's wrong with my plant? — the diagnosis apps compared
- Common daikon radish problems & fixes
- Daikon Radish watering schedule
- Daikon Radish light requirements
- Full daikon radish care guide
Daikon Radish pests — FAQ
What is eating my daikon radish?
Daikon radish grows a large, slow-maturing root (60–70 days) giving pests more time to cause damage compared to quick radishes. Cabbage root fly maggots are the primary root threat, tunnelling deeply and causing rot. Flea beetles attack the extensive leaf canopy. Harlequin bugs (US) and birds pecking emerging seedlings are additional concerns in warm regions.
How do I get rid of cabbage root fly (delia radicum) on daikon radish?
Maggots tunnel into the root causing brown channels, wilting, and decay at harvest Brassica root-fly collars; row cover for first 5 weeks; crop rotation away from brassicas
How do I get rid of flea beetles (phyllotreta spp.) on daikon radish?
Shot-hole damage to leaves throughout the growing season; heavy on young plants Row cover; keep plants well-watered; sticky yellow traps to monitor populations
How do I get rid of harlequin bug (murgantia histrionica) — us south on daikon radish?
Sap-sucking causes wilted, yellowed foliage and stunted root development Hand-pick egg masses; kaolin clay spray; remove overwintering debris; trap crops of mustard
How do I get rid of aphids on daikon radish?
Colonies on leaf undersides and growing tips; honeydew and leaf curl Insecticidal soap spray; water jet; beneficial insects such as ladybirds