Pest identification
What's eating my turnip 'oasis'?
Flea beetle (Phyllotreta spp.)
Signs: Peppering of small round holes across seedling leaves; severe infestations kill plants outright.
Control: Cover from sowing with insect-proof mesh. Water consistently to support fast establishment. Spinosad spray if mesh is not used.
Cabbage root fly (Delia radicum)
Signs: Plants wilt and cannot be revived; maggots destroy the root, which rots in the ground.
Control: Apply brassica root collars at transplant. Grow under insect mesh to prevent adult flies reaching the soil.
Cabbage white caterpillar (Pieris brassicae / P. rapae)
Signs: Holes in leaves enlarging rapidly; green frass; caterpillars hiding in the heart of the plant.
Control: Check plants every few days; remove eggs and caterpillars by hand. Bt spray is safe and effective on edible crops.
Keep turnip 'oasis' pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Turnip 'Oasis' pests — FAQ
What is eating my turnip 'oasis'?
Turnip 'Oasis' is a quick-maturing hybrid turnip. Like all brassica turnips, flea beetles are a serious seedling threat, cabbage root fly attacks the roots, and caterpillars and slugs cause ongoing foliage damage. Rabbits and pigeons will browse tops in open gardens. Insect mesh from sowing is the most practical all-round defense.
How do I get rid of flea beetle (phyllotreta spp.) on turnip 'oasis'?
Peppering of small round holes across seedling leaves; severe infestations kill plants outright. Cover from sowing with insect-proof mesh. Water consistently to support fast establishment. Spinosad spray if mesh is not used.
How do I get rid of cabbage root fly (delia radicum) on turnip 'oasis'?
Plants wilt and cannot be revived; maggots destroy the root, which rots in the ground. Apply brassica root collars at transplant. Grow under insect mesh to prevent adult flies reaching the soil.
How do I get rid of cabbage white caterpillar (pieris brassicae / p. rapae) on turnip 'oasis'?
Holes in leaves enlarging rapidly; green frass; caterpillars hiding in the heart of the plant. Check plants every few days; remove eggs and caterpillars by hand. Bt spray is safe and effective on edible crops.