What's eating my 'watermelon' radish?

Watermelon Radish, like all brassica-family radishes, is heavily targeted by flea beetles, which pepper leaves with tiny holes and can devastate seedlings. Cabbage root fly maggots attack the swelling root, and slugs and caterpillars damage foliage. Its extended growing period makes it more vulnerable than fast-maturing radish types.

Dozens of tiny round shot-holes across leaves, leaving a characteristic 'peppered' appearance; seedlings can be killed; adults jump when disturbed. Cover immediately after sowing with fine insect mesh. Delay sowing until plants are strong. Water and feed well so plants outgrow damage. Sticky traps help monitor numbers.

Larvae tunnel into roots, causing wilting, blue-tinted leaves, and rotting or scarred root flesh — damage hidden until harvest. Place brassica collars (10 cm discs of carpet or cardboard) around the stem at soil level to prevent female flies laying eggs. Use fine mesh barriers.

Surface scars and pits on emerging roots; holes in seedling leaves, especially in wet autumnal conditions when Watermelon Radish is maturing. Beer traps and iron phosphate pellets at soil level. Ensure good drainage; waterlogged beds harbour far more slugs.