Imported Cabbageworm

It's been cool and rainy lately but the gardens still need attention as evidenced by the damage on this broccoli plant. 

Cabbage, broccoli and collards can still be attacked by the larva of imported cabbageworm. Small larva will eat tissue from the underside of the leaves, while larger larva chew ragged holes through the leaves.  When you see holes, look on the underside of the leaves or along the leaf vein for the culprit.

 

Here's the culprit - a fairly mature imported cabbageworm larve lays still trying to blend in with the vein of the broccoli leaf.

 

 

 

Caterpillars can be controlled by handpicking in small plantings. In larger plantings, products containing Bt, spinosad or carbaryl as the active will provide control. When using any pesticide, always read and follow label directions.