| Turnip Mosaic Virus |
| Indications |
Young leaves twisted and mottled with dark green, raised
spots |
| Treatment |
None - lift and burn diseased plants |
| Prevention |
Organic
As aphids carry the disease:-
1. Spray with a weak solution of soapy water
2.
Use water through a hosepipe to knock the aphids off the plants
Chemical
Spray with an insecticide containing
Fenitrothion
|
| Club Root |
| Indications |
Discoloured leaves which wilt in warm weather, swollen,
solid galls on roots |
| Treatment |
None - lift and burn diseased plants |
| Prevention |
Organic
1. Lime plot where you intend growing brassicas
2. Do not grow brassicas in the same place for 2-3 years (crop
rotation)
3. Make sure the site is well drained |
|
Caterpillars |
| Indications |
Holes in leaves or much of the leaf eaten away in severe
cases |
| Treatment |
Organic
Inspect plants regularly and pick off eggs or
caterpillars. The caterpillars like to lie right next to the
veins of leaves, sometimes making them difficult to find
Chemical
Spray with a pesticide containing
Fenitrothion
|
| Prevention |
1. Try growing crops under a net which will prevent the
butterflies/moths getting to the plant to lay their eggs
2.
Pick off and destroy eggs as soon as you see them to prevent
them from hatching |
|
Cabbage Root Fly |
| Indications |
Stunted growth especially seedlings. Discoloured wilted
leaves. Roots are black and rotted with maggot damage and
tunnelling and white maggots present |
| Treatment |
Organic
None
Chemical
None |
| Prevention |
1. Place a 15cm/6" diameter collar around each plant stem as
early as possible which will prevent the fly laying eggs on the
soil near the plant.
2. Grow crops under a tent of fleece
3. Dispose of affected plants and practice crop rotation in
future years |
|
Celery, Beetroot, Onion, Shallots, Garlic, Chamomile,
Spinach, Chard, Geraniums, Rosemary, Nasturtium,
Borage
If you know aphids are a problem in your area, grow flowers such as
nasturtiums, calendula asters, dahlias, and zinnias nearby but not
close to turnips as aphids find them attractive so they act as a lure.
Create a bio-diverse environment by planting flowers
nearby to attract bees, ladybirds and other "friendlies". To learn more about companion planting click
here.
|
