Peak Activity: November-December & February-March
Cabbage Aphid is the most common Aphid species affecting forage brassica crops.
There are usually two flights per year with the first occurring from late spring/early
summer and the second from late summer/early autumn. It is during the nymph stage
that feeding damage occurs to plants.
Brassica crop plantings from November to March are usually the most vulnerable to
Aphid attack.
Most Aphids favour tender leaves and buds. They feed by sucking sap from plants,
resulting in twisting and distortion of leaves and buds. Aphids often produce large
amounts of honeydew. They also act as vectors and are the main cause of viral infections
affecting crops (eg Turnip Mosaic virus).
It is during establishment that brassica plants are most vulnerable to attack. Once
established most plants can tolerate low Aphid pressure if they are not under stress
from other influences such as lack of moisture.
Prevention and Control
- Ultrastrike Brassica
seed treatment
- Aphid tolerant varieties
- Recognise flight periods and control infestations early
- Contact insecticide