What's eating my turnip 'market express'?

Turnip 'Market Express' is targeted by flea beetles, cabbage root fly, aphids, and slugs outdoors. Deer and rabbits will graze the leafy tops. Flea beetles are the most damaging early-season pest, riddling seedling leaves with small holes that can kill young plants before they establish.

Tiny round holes peppered across seedling leaves; severe infestations stunt or kill young plants Cover with fine insect-proof mesh (enviromesh) immediately after sowing; use sticky yellow traps; apply diatomaceous earth around the base

Larvae tunnel into roots causing plants to wilt and collapse; white maggots visible in the soil around the root Fit brassica collars at the base of transplants; cover with fine mesh; rotate crops annually

Dense grey-white colonies on undersides of leaves; distorted, yellowing foliage; sticky honeydew attracts sooty mould Blast off with a strong jet of water; encourage ladybirds and hoverflies; use insecticidal soap spray as a last resort

Ragged holes in leaves and young roots at or below soil level, especially in cool, wet weather Apply iron phosphate slug pellets (wildlife-safe); use copper tape around raised beds; pick off by hand at night