What's eating my turnip 'tokyo cross'?

Turnip 'Tokyo Cross' is a fast-maturing Japanese hybrid grown primarily for its smooth white globe roots. Flea beetles are especially damaging at the seedling stage. Cabbage root fly attacks the roots, and caterpillars shred the foliage. Because it matures in 35–45 days, quick establishment with row cover protection pays dividends.

Countless tiny round holes in cotyledons and first true leaves; seedlings stunted or killed. Sow under insect-proof mesh and keep covered through establishment. Diatomaceous earth applied to moist seedlings reduces adult feeding.

Plants wilt despite adequate water; maggots damage the tender white roots causing them to rot. Fit brassica collars around each stem at planting. Fine insect mesh over the bed from sowing prevents adult flies from reaching the soil.

Holes in outer leaves; frass at base of plant; caterpillars visible when inspected. Remove egg clusters from leaf undersides. Hand-pick caterpillars. Bt spray is effective and safe for edible crops.