What's eating my rutabaga 'laurentian'?

Rutabaga 'Laurentian' is targeted by cabbage root fly, flea beetles, and aphids, all part of the brassica pest complex. Slugs damage roots at soil level. In North America, imported cabbageworm caterpillars also feed on foliage. Crop rotation and row covers are the backbone of integrated control.

Larvae tunnel through the swede/turnip-like root causing wilting, yellowing, and internal rotting Brassica collars or fine mesh at soil surface from transplanting; rotate brassicas every three to four years

Pepper-pot holes in seedling leaves; severe attacks kill young plants Row covers immediately after sowing; rake soil thoroughly before sowing to expose pupae; use yellow sticky traps

Pale green caterpillars eat large irregular holes in leaves; heavy damage reduces root development Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) spray on larvae; hand-pick eggs and caterpillars; row covers to exclude butterflies

Dense grey colonies distort leaves and stems, reducing root bulking Encourage parasitic wasps; spray insecticidal soap; remove heavily infested leaves