Cabbage maggot at base of wilted plant.
Cabbage
maggot pressure continues to be very high this growing season. Growers need to apply insecticide at cole crop
transplanting and then within 2-3 weeks. It is important to ensure that PHI is met. Aside from chemical control, crop rotation
contributes to keeping populations low. Fall
tillage to bury crop residues and to expose over-wintering pupae helps reduce
overwintering populations.
Floating
row covers and insect nettings provide an effective barrier against this pest. Place the cover as soon as the transplants are
set. Do not use where the same crop
family -- brassicas or onions -- were grown last year, as flies left in soil
could emerge under the cover. Place cover over the crop at the time of seeding
or transplanting and seal the edges with soil.
