The Gardener's Almanac

Mealy Cabbage Aphid

As the name suggests this aphid affects brassicas, including swedes and radish.

This pest is present through­out the year with the heaviest infestations peaking in early autumn.

The aphid over winters as eggs on leaves and stems and adults can sometimes survive mild winters.

After cropping, remove plants to reduce over wintering populations of eggs and adults.

The symptoms appear as yellow patches on the foliage, especially in early summer.

Colonies of grey-green aphids covered with white, powdery, mealy wax can be found on the undersides of the foliage.

There may be a covering of a sticky, sugary substance on the leaves which could become infected with sooty mould.

Heavy infestations can kill the growing tips of young plants, this in effect ‘stops’ the plant resulting in the formation of side shoots and subsequently multi-headed plants.

The aphid can transmit cauliflower and turnip mosaic viruses.

Because these plants are grown for the table, great care should be taken when using chemical controls.

Synthetic insecticides containing bifenthrin give good control but can only be used once, whereas organic insecticides containing pyrethrum, rotenone, fatty acids or vegetable oils can be used more often.

Always follow the instructions on the packaging / label

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